While I was at Farmington Bay WMA two days ago, I heard and saw my first Sandhill Crane of the year. The calling crane was in flight, way off in the distance.
I didn’t care; I simply had to take a photo of the crane. I’ve missed these long-legged birds and their calls so much.
Long distance Sandhill Crane in flight – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The trumpeting calls of Sandhill Cranes both comfort and excite me. The calls comfort me because these cranes have been making their migrations for eons. The cranes are dependable. The calls also excite me because I adore these big birds!
When I took a short series of photos of the calling Sandhill Crane in flight from such a long distance, I thought I probably wouldn’t like the images much.
I surprised myself because I truly enjoyed this photo of the crane when I saw it on my screen at home. To take this image, I had to turn my body in my Jeep to the south, and I was focused on getting the crane sharp. The mountains behind the crane weren’t even in my thoughts.
Having the Oquirrh Mountains behind the flying crane delighted me. That day was clear enough that the slopes of the mountains were visible. Even a few of the benches of old Lake Bonneville were easy to see.
Sure, it would have been nice if the crane had been closer. The thing is, the habitat in this photo speaks clearly to me even with the crane being small in the frame.
Now? I can barely wait to see the Sandhill Cranes dancing and trumpeting in the field. I am thrilled that they are back.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Sandhill Crane photos plus facts and information about this species.
You need to come out to Central Nebraska you’d be in heaven.
Good photo and thanks for sharing.
I felt that , too this past week! I saw 4 feeding in the wetlands on the road to Promontory. I didn’t get to hear them but they were close enough to stop and shoot some quick shots before the next semi truck blasted by me. I hope they start flying in to Salt Creek WM soon so I can hear them!