Sandhill Crane foraging near the causeway to Antelope Island – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I was very excited to spot my first of year Sandhill Cranes yesterday near the causeway to Antelope Island where a pair of the cranes were foraging on the flats of the Great Salt Lake. They weren’t displaying, they weren’t calling but the large cranes sure grabbed my attention. I have missed seeing, hearing and photographing the cranes and I am very happy that they are back for their breeding season.
Sandhill Crane near the Great Salt Lake – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The pair of Sandhill Cranes stayed relatively close to each other and the male seemed to be keeping an eye on the female as she foraged.
I love hearing Sandhill Cranes and hope that the next cranes I find will give me a thrill by calling. Have a listen to their calls here.
It felt great to be back out in the field yesterday, to see the sun and blue skies, to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin and to hear birds singing the songs of spring.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Sandhill Crane photos plus facts and information about this species.
Watching thousands of Sandhill Cranes from the Rowe Audubon blinds, Kearney, Nebraska, is one of the highlights of my life!
Love the ancient sound in their call. Funny the house we made a bid on has sandhill crane colors and decor.
Those red crowns sure are spectacular!
Can’t wait for them to arrive in Southern Ontario.
Hello Sandhills! I do wish we had these critters around here.
Send them North. I miss them
Very nice photos! I’ll never forget the first time I saw and heard these birds, such a beautiful call!