Two days ago, I was lucky enough to photograph an uncommon visitor to Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge—an immature Sandhill Crane I spotted in a field.
I knew a young Sandhill Crane had been found at the refuge, but when we went last week, we didn’t see it. We had no idea it was still hanging around.
Immature Sandhill Crane at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/3200, ISO 1250, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
The immature Sandhill Crane was foraging in a cornfield with a small flock of Snow Geese, with a few Ross’s Geese mixed in. For me, the crane stood out, but that’s because I have a lot of experience with these cranes.
Steve Creek and I got into position to photograph the crane and started photographing the young bird.
See Steve’s photos and narrative here: Sandhill Crane Sighting at Sequoyah NWR
Back view of young Sandhill Crane – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/4000, ISO 1250, -0.3 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
The immature crane was not the least bit bothered by the nearby geese or us. I photographed the Sandhill from outside, using the pickup as a blind, while Steve photographed from inside the pickup.
Immature Sandhill Crane foraging at Sequoyah NWR – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/4000, ISO 1250, -07 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
Because Sandhill Cranes are uncommon at the refuge, I took hundreds of photos of the young bird. After a quick review, I picked a few of my best photos of the crane to share.
Beautiful young Sandhill Crane in a corn field – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/4000, ISO 1250, -0.3 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
I knew my chances of seeing Sandhill Cranes after leaving Utah were pretty slim, so I very happy to see one of my favorite birds at the refuge.The only thing that could have made this visit from this crane was if it had called just one time. I do miss the calls of Sandhill Cranes.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Sandhill Crane photos plus facts and information about this species.
Nice set of pics. Sandhill Cranes are certainly stately and beautiful birds. This one seems kinda lonely but, on the other hand, maybe it’s having the time of his/her life. Thanks Mia.
I wonder if it got lost from it’s parents. They usually stay together still. We heard some in Cathedral Valley, didn’t see them, their calls can carry for so far.