Sandhill Cranes In Flight During Spring Migration

Pair of Sandhill Cranes in flight during spring migration – Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

The last couple of times I have gone to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and further north of there I have been so happy to hear and see, even if from a long distance, the return of our Sandhill Cranes.  Their calls speak to me, they reach right into me and remind me of not only their wildness but my own.

Sandhill Crane calls.

We are as much a part of nature as these living fossils are but the trappings of “civilized” life often puts an invisible barrier between us and our wild selves.

I haven’t been able to photograph the cranes yet this year because they have been so far away but I am hoping that very soon I’ll be able to look through my viewfinder at these amazing & fascinating birds and take more photos of them. I especially would love to photograph a pair of them during their courtship display.

This pair of Sandhill Cranes in flight during spring migration were photographed in Wayne County, Utah on March 15, 2014 as they came into land on a farmer’s field with clouds behind them.

Seeing Sandhill Cranes during spring migration also makes me feel like I can shed the heavy clothing I’ve worn during the winter because I know that warmer weather is on the way. Some people believe robins or bluebirds are the harbingers of spring, for me it is nearly a tie between Long-billed Curlews and Sandhill Cranes here in northern Utah.

I can’t wait. It has been a long, weird winter here.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Sandhill Crane photos plus facts and information about this species.