I’ve been thinking a lot about Sandhill Cranes recently so I am going back in time to nine years ago today when I photographed them in Wayne County, Utah.
Sandhill Cranes dancing in a farmer’s field – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1000, ISO 800, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
Early in the morning Sandhill Cranes would fly into the farmer’s fields to eat, preen, and dance. I love seeing cranes dance so I felt like I was in paradise. Quite often a group of cranes would fly in and land near other cranes then they would start fighting and dancing.
The light was kind of low that morning but my trusty Nikon D300 tried to keep up with the kicking feet and the flailing wings of the dancing cranes.
Pair of Sandhill Cranes in Wayne County, Utah – Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
Some of the Sandhill Crane pairs simply watched all the commotion. I am sure they were already paired up and migrating north together.
Morning Sandhill Cranes in a farmer’s field – Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
I wasn’t always sure which cranes to focus on. But I loved connecting and communing with these tall, charismatic birds. Hearing them call, watching them fly in, plus observing them dancing was a joy.
Wayne County, Utah pastel sunrise – Nikon D200, handheld, f10, 1/20, ISO 400, Nikkor 18-200mm at 18mm, natural light
Besides, when you start off the morning with a stunning view like the one above when you are heading to the cranes, how bad could your day really be? Just that view alone is enough for my heart to skip a beat. Or two.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Sandhill Crane photos plus facts and information about this species. Click here to see more of my Utah landscape photos.
It’s shameful the iconic Sandhill Crane are still hunted in several areas.
Look up the “outfitters” and hunting clubs’ vast land leases.
Great Sandhill Crane shots and I love the landscape pic. God…that’s beautiful country! Thanks Mia.
That sunrise shot is something! Utah has some pretty spectacular geology. Your day with the Sandhills must have been a blast.
These are beautiful and so fun to watch the cranes. I did not think I would ever tire of hearing or seeing them dance but the trip to the Platte River specifically to see cranes during the migration, after 5 continuous days in the field from 5am to sunset I burned out. I am ready to go again though.
Hi sweetie ! Those are the most beautiful phototos! You are so talented ! Have a great day .
That is a lovely group of Sandhill Cranes. Thanks
Wow, you had a great day with the cranes!
I sure did, and the next two mornings following this one too!
This post really touched my soul. The dancing Sandhill Cranes are beautiful and to see one in real life would be a lifer for me!
What really touched my soul was the sunrise picture because a friend shared a “Mindful March” calendar with me and today’s reminder is “Pause to watch the sky or clouds for a few minutes today” We are having rainy weather here in Maryland so the sky is kinda blah and to see that beautiful Utah sunrise was breathtaking.
Andrea, I am tickled that you enjoyed this Utah sunrise. It was actually pretty gray here this morning which is why I included this more colorful sunrise with the cranes!