Sandhill Crane adult at dawn – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
In 2020 I had my first of year Sandhill Crane sighting on February 23rd. This morning I can barely wait to see and hear Sandhill Cranes again. It has been a long winter without them.
When I went to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and to Antelope Island State Park recently I listened for the bugling call of these cranes. Both times I knew it was a bit early for the cranes but hoping doesn’t cost me a thing, so why not hope?
I love to hear the calls of these graceful cranes whether they are are in flight, in the midst of their courtship displays, or getting ready for their morning lift off to head out to find food. Their calls mesmerize me. Watching them dance, leap, and perform their elaborate courtship displays is always exciting.
Living Fossils
When I think about how long the Sandhill Cranes have been on this planet it makes me feel fortunate to share a few moments with them. The oldest unequivocal Sandhill Crane fossil is 2.5 million years old which is over one and a half times older than the earliest remains of most living species of birds making them one of the oldest known surviving bird species. They are living, breathing, glorious fossils.
Each time I see my first of the year Sandhill Crane I feel like leaping with them. Maybe that is a little odd, maybe it isn’t. I feel what I feel.
In 2020 I didn’t photograph many Sandhill Cranes which was due in part to travel restrictions in Utah because of the Covid-19 pandemic. This year there are fewer travel limitations so I hope to be able to see them more frequently.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Sandhill Crane photos plus facts and information about this species.
I, too, admire them. Beautiful birds! There are occasional sitings in CT, but I’ve travelled the state without success to photograph them. My trip to Kearney, NE was one of the highlights of my birding excursions. Those icy cold mornings with fog rising up off the Platte – spectacular! And to be in the blinds late day with them flying over your head toward the sunset to roost for the night….absolutely breathtaking! Hope you see them soon!
I hope to see them soon. One of my favorite trips was to Nebraska, Platt River, for the migration. I hope to go again.
I am in 100% agreement on their calls. It is a thrill to hear them coming in from the distance and await their arrival.
I really, really hope that you can see these beauties soon. And hope is a fragile essential in my eyes.
“hoping does not cost me anything so why not hope?”
Thank you for that wise and heartfelt reminder Mia!! We all need to take it to heart in these troubling times.
I too have always loved Sandhill Cranes and their wonderful music. As a child I loved to watch them circle, riding the thermals as they migrated south high in the prairie sky, calling out to us earth-bound humans to join them in their journey to warmer climes.
I miss them!
Saw a small “siege” of cranes (a group of about 15 birds) two weeks ago down here along the Texas Gulf Coast. I’m envious of your 1.4x teleconverter – with only a 500mm, they are just too far away. Hope you get to see more of these wonderful birds!
Another favourite bird. I’m hoping to see Sandhill Cranes soon, too, in another couple of months.