Three Sandhill Cranes displaying in the marsh at Bear River MBR, Box Elder County, UtahThree Sandhill Cranes displaying in the marsh at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

It was the highlight of my morning to find, observe, listen to, and photograph ten Sandhill Cranes at Bear River MBR yesterday. The three cranes in this image were my first of year sightings of this species. The cranes were dancing, leaping, and displaying on the marsh when I spotted them.

Dancing Sandhill Cranes at Bear River MBR, Box Elder County, UtahDancing Sandhill Cranes at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Even though the cranes weren’t close and I had heat wave distortion to deal with I could not resist photographing them as they danced and leapt in the marsh. I have missed seeing and hearing these cranes all winter long.

To make the morning even more spectacular I heard Sandhill Cranes and Tundra Swans calling on the same morning. There is only a short window of time here in northern Utah when I can hear the incoming Sandhill Cranes and the soon to be leaving Tundra Swans on the same day.

Sandhill Crane adult foraging in a barren field, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahSandhill Crane adult foraging in a barren field – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

On the way back to the Interstate I found seven more Sandhill Cranes foraging in a barren field. Only one was close enough to get clear photos of. The other six were a good way out in the field. Shortly after I photographed this single crane two of the other birds started calling, lifted off and flew to the south.

I’m still excited to have found these Sandhill Cranes yesterday. Spring is on the way.

Life is good.

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