Sandhill Crane foraging in a pasture – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I took this adult Sandhill Crane photo earlier this week as the crane foraged for food in a grassy horse pasture high up in the Wasatch Mountains. Sandhill Cranes mate for life and their lifespan can be as long as 36 years.
Earlier in the year there were two adult Sandhill Cranes in this area. They used to call, display, fly past and feed together in their summer mountain home. Then one of them disappeared.
The story of why this Sandhill Crane is alone now is a mystery. Did the other crane perish? Was it attacked by a predator? Did the other crane leave because the pair didn’t nest successfully?
I just don’t know. What I do know it has been several weeks since I saw the pair together.
Because this crane was by itself I admit that I feel for it even when simply looking at this image.
Why?
Because usually I see Sandhill Cranes as mated pairs on their breeding grounds.
As I observed and photographed this Sandhill Crane I couldn’t help but wonder if it felt alone. Or if it misses the sound of its mate calling.
I’ll never know.
As a human I know I miss the sound of the voices of the people I love and care about, both those who are alive and those no longer with us. Their presence whether exciting, comforting or both is missed.
Maybe some people might see this as much ado about something simple. My thoughts about it is that I am as much as part of nature as this Sandhill Crane is and if I feel what I do maybe the crane does too.
Just a few thoughts on a Thursday morning. Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Sandhill Crane photos plus facts and information about this species.
I’ve noticed from your photos that the body of the cranes is more brown while here in Florida they are mostly gray all over.
Last year a sandhill pecked on the side of a vehicle below the dam at Jordanelle. Someone complained to the DNR and they came out a shot both cranes saying there was something wrong with them. and they would autopsy to confer. Total hyperbole, Those of us walking the area loved seeing this pair of cranes and they were most likely pecking tat heir reflection
I think they wound up on someones dinner plate. I am reluctant to ever call DNR on an incident.
Your wistful, gently poetic, narrative is as beautiful as your pic. Thanks Mia.
I couldn’t agree more…I identify with that ird and it makes me sad…
Definitely sad.
Funny– I did the same thing as you. I wondered where its chicks (er.. colts) were but realized it was getting late in the season and they might not be underfoot as when they were little fluffy things. Then, I thought, where was its mate, as it is usually so easy to get then both in the same frame? Mystery remains unsolved.