Greater and Lesser Sandhill Cranes in a field – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/5000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I spent a few minutes photographing Sandhill Cranes twice yesterday, once not long after sunrise and then later in the morning. I was way up in northern Utah not long after the sun had risen over the Wasatch Mountains in the east when I first found the cranes in a farmer’s field. I forgot to count how many Sandhill Cranes there were but I’d estimate that there were 8 to 10 in the field.
For the first time I believe I photographed Lesser and Greater Sandhill Cranes together as shown in this photo. Note how the crane in the foreground is substantially smaller than the crane behind it and how the length of the legs is quite different. This is more of a difference than I would expect to see than the difference in size between male and female Sandhill Cranes side by side. I noticed that there were two smaller Sandhill Cranes in this small group but didn’t take photos of the second bird.
I don’t have any proof that these two cranes are a mated pair. Just because they were walking in a field together that doesn’t mean that they are a pair any more than seeing a Clark’s Grebe swimming in the same water as a Western Grebe would mean that they are mates. I’d need more proof and information than that to make that kind of assumption.
If I am incorrect about the smaller Sandhill being a Lesser please don’t hesitate to correct me. I learn from corrections.
Foraging Sandhill Cranes in a farmer’s field – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/5000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Sandhill Cranes were busy foraging in a farmer’s field to the east of the road that I was on. At this time of year I wondered what it was that they were feeding on but never saw food in the bills of the cranes.
I’m also not sure whether these cranes are going to stay in the area. It is spring migration and there is a possibility that they may have simply stopped to refuel on their way north. I’ve photographed cranes and other birds in this area for years and this is the first time I have noticed this many Sandhill Cranes gathered together in this location.
Two adult Sandhill Cranes in a field in spring – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/5000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I do know that I will be keeping an eye out for these cranes the next time I head up to this area.
The first three images I have shared were taken at around 10:40 am and the light was getting a bit harsh by that time of the morning.
Side lit Sandhill Crane – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I though I would also include one of the photos that I took earlier in the morning because I loved the golden tones of the light plus how the crane is side lit.
Sandhill Cranes are beautiful birds.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Sandhill Crane photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful experience to see these birds. And thanks for including the presumed Greater and Lesser – first time I’ve seen comparative images.
Wonderful pics of a stately and vastly interesting bird. Your compositions and the colors you captured in these in these shots is extraordinary. Thanks Mia.
BTW – Michigan’s state legislature is actually considering a hunt? Who the hell would want to shoot a crane? Another reason people despise politicians.
Such handsome birds. I really hope MI gets it together and doesn’t approve another hunting “season.”
On Monday there was a pair just inside the road leading to the Farmington Bay main gate. The tundra swans are still there.
Mdajestic birds beautiful photos, Mia
They are indeed beautiful birds. Hunting them? For sport??? I hope not. I really hope not.
Lovely photos, I imagine wonderful calls too yesterday! The group of 8 cranes I saw last week had two lesser in the group. It is always surprising how much shorter they are.
OMGosh, Lynnette, I hope Michigan doesn’t go through with the hunting of these beautiful birds. I didn’t know there were Greater or Lesser Sandhill Cranes either. I got to take my first photos of the year of Sandhill Cranes yesterday as well. The cranes here have mostly gray feathers for now.
Beautiful birds! Never knew there are greater and lesser. Michigan is considering a hunting season on these beautiful creatures. I hope your followers will write to Michigan legislators to try to stop the authorization.