Once you see your first crane, watching their behavior raises many questions. These might range from how they interact with each other and with other species, to why and when they are territorial, to how they respond to changes in their environment. Cranes are ideal subjects for behavior studies because of their large size and their social nature within a bonded pair, family group, and subadult cohorts. While scientific studies often customize the various categories, one can begin with the basic five: foraging, alert, social, comfort, and locomotion. In this workshop, International Crane Foundation staff will begin with an introduction of the behavior terms, crane morphology, and life history stages; then progress into guiding smaller groups in interpreting crane behavior using interactive videos of a family of cranes. You will emerge from this experience ready to make your own observations, understanding when a crane is performing behaviors essential to their well-being, and knowledge of how to safely view cranes without disturbing them.

Did you know that cranes can dance? They are also incredibly fierce protectors as well! Families are welcome to join us for a morning of learning all about crane dancing and fighting. Participants will get to practice their crane dance moves and learn all about the tough nature of these fancy-footed birds. This interactive program is geared toward families with elementary and middle school aged children and has limited space.

Cranes have been a part of human culture around the world for thousands of years. These majestic birds have captivated the hearts and minds of the inhabitants on all 5 continents in which they are found. During this engaging and entertaining presentation, guests will learn all about the natural history of cranes around the world, discover their importance in culture and folklore, and hear the poignant story of Whooping Crane conservation.

A leader in Alabama birding and ecotourism, Christopher offers insights into connecting people with nature through guided birding and nature tours in Alabama’s Black Belt. https://www.connectingwithbirdsandnaturetours.com/

• Alabama Center for the Arts, Performing Arts Building - Recital Hall (map)

​​An issue of scale: building coalitions to address wetland habitat connectivity challenges

• Alabama Center for the Arts, Visual Arts Building, Room 118 (map)

Jimmy Stiles - Herpetologist and Nature Lover: Mr. Stiles will share information about the reptiles and amphibians of Alabama. This hands-on experience is always a hit!

• Alabama Center for the Arts, Visual Arts Building, Room 118 (map)

Jimmy Stiles - Herpetologist and Nature Lover: Mr. Stiles will share information about the reptiles and amphibians of Alabama. This hands-on experience is always a hit!

One of the most fascinating human-animal partnerships is the millennia-old tradition of hunting with golden eagles in Mongolia. Dr. Lauren McGough spent two years in the Altai Mountains, living with nomadic families, learning and documenting this incredible relationship between nomadic Kazakh people and wild eagles. Here she takes you on a whirlwind adventure of what it is like to learn to be an eagle hunter, how to earn an eagles' respect, and how to thrive in one of the world's harshest environments with horses, camels, goats, sheep, dogs and birds of prey. She now uses what she learned in Mongolia to rehabilitate young eagles that never learned to hunt in the wild, bringing these traditions to the USA for a species in need.

Conservation photographer Michael Forsberg spent the last five years camera-in-hand exploring the natural history of whooping cranes across the continent, meeting people that love them, and discovering how these tall, magnificent and rarest of cranes are navigating our 21st-century world. In this multimedia presentation, Mike will take you on a wild, wonderful, and sometimes heartbreaking journey from whooping crane wintering grounds along the Texas Gulf Coast to their remote nesting grounds in northern Canada, and on migration through the heart of the Great Plains.

Donald Hood, of Status Image Photography, will discuss ways to make sure your wildlife pictures are the best they can be. Whether you shoot with your phone, a point-and-click camera, or a professional-grade camera, there are techniques you can use to take your pictures to the next level. We will also introduce the amateur photography contest that will be part of the 2027 Festival of the Cranes, giving you one year to perfect your technique. This program is for all ages.

Presented by the Alabama Rivers Alliance and Wild Alabama, this powerful film series showcases short documentaries that highlight environmental issues and natural beauty across the South.

• The Princess Theatre - Center for the Performing Arts (map)

Dr. Lauren McGough spent the previous winter on Midway Atoll counting over half a million active albatross nests. Nearly 70% of the world's Laysan albatross and one third of black-footed albatross nest on Midway, not to mention over a million bonin petrels and endangered species such as short-tailed albatross, monk seals and the Hawaiian green sea turtle. Humans and albatross live in close quarters on this 2.4 square mile Atoll, giving visitors insights into avian behavior that one might never see up close and in person. With its pivotal WWII history, and currently serving as an important emergency runway for airplanes crossing the Atlantic, this little island remains of outsized importance to the world.

The Cleverlys is a one-of-a-kind, unique comedy and music experience. From the groups humble beginnings in the Ozark Mountains, to currently headlining festivals and PAC's all over the country, even performing regularly on the coveted Grand Ole Opry stage. One thing is for certain, there is no other show like this out there.

Buy your tickets below from the Princess Theatre website.

Presented at the 2026 Festival of Cranes

Join artist and instructor Timothy Joe for an engaging soft pastels demonstration inspired by the natural beauty of the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Known for his expressive landscapes and dedication to capturing the Southern environment, Timothy will guide attendees through his process—from storytelling, value, composition and color selection to layering techniques that bring light and texture to life.

This demonstration is ideal for artists, nature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning more about the pastel medium. Witness the transformation of a blank surface into a vivid, atmospheric scene celebrating the cranes and wetland landscapes that make this refuge so extraordinary.

Duration: Approximately 60–90 minutes

All levels welcome. Observation only; no supplies required

The Cook Museum is wild about whoopers!  Enjoy complimentary Admission to the Museum’s Exhibits during this event and take part in special presentations and hands-on activities. Find out why whooping cranes are so amazing at the Cool Cranes Science on the Spot presentations. There will be a take-home craft, a photo station, and a Crane Dance Party, where you can learn how to dance like a crane. As you explore the Exhibits, collect a complete set of 6 Migratory Birds Collectible Cards, including an egret and a heron.

Local author, Phoebe Goodwin, will host a special story time where she will read her children’s book “The White Feather” at10:30 am & 11:30 am with a book signing to follow each reading. The book will be available for purchase in the Museum Store.

Learn about the joys of taking an easy approach to bird watching. Drawing inspiration from Joan Strassman’s “Slow Birding: The Art and Science of Enjoying Birds in Your Own Backyard”, Land Trust of North Alabama Educators, Tim Gels and Elizabeth Moats, will cover the basics of birding that you can do from your own home during the presentations at 11 am and 1 pm.

Become a nature sleuth and join Laura Grace Clark Art as she walks children through how easy it is to start a nature journal of their own. Using objects from the Museum and their own take-home journal packet, participants will practice how to observe and document the wonders of nature all around us. There will be two 30-minute sessions at Noon and 2 pm. Though primarily designed for children, all are welcome!

During the month of January, try a Cool Crane Smoothie, a version of Nature’s Table Cocolada Smoothie, with whipped cream, toasted coconut, and a strawberry wedge. Available for purchase for a limited time!

All Activities Sponsored by Decatur Morgan Hospital

• “The White Feather” Story Time & Book Signing with Phoebe Goodwin: 10:30 am & 11:30 am

• Slow Birding Presentation with the Land Trust of North Alabama: 11 am & 1 pm

• Nature Journaling with Laura Grace Clark Art: Noon & 2 pm

• Cool Cranes Science on the Spot: 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, & 1:30 pm

• Hands-On Activities: 10 am – 2 pm

• Photo Station: 10 am – 2 pm

• The Whoopers At Wheeler Video: 10 am – 2 pm

• Crane Dance Party: All Day

• Migratory Birds Collectible Cards: All Day

• Cool Crane Smoothie (available for purchase at Nature’s Table)

• More Details click here

Conservation photographer Michael Forsberg will share insights from his 30-year career documenting the Great Plains and beyond. In this workshop, he’ll offer tips on crafting compelling photographic compositions and teach fundamental techniques to help you feel more confident and prepared in the field.