Sand Hill Cranes

These were down behind my neighbor's house this afternoon. I'd hoped they would take off for a few BIF shots, but they just walked out into the deep weeds.





I know - my settings were way higher than necessary, but I just grabbed the camera and shot away.

You have a marsh area back there Jim?? Nice shots! You were likely far closer than I have ever been. When a former student ( he is 65!) came to fill the pool last week he told me that some have been over wintering across the road from his house back in a swampy area a ways back from the area close to the road. He said he did not care for them because when the warmer weather arrives and they have young they come up to the conservation area bird sanctuary across the road from his property. He said they are like roosters and every morning they show up and make a huge racket! Beautiful to look at but not so nice if you want to sleep!

Andrew

It's an age thing Jimmy. Nice captures just the same.
Dicky.

The neighbors across the street have a lake/wetland in their back yards.

Thanks

They can be quite noisy. They have been nesting in the neighborhood for several years, probably multiple pairs.
My brother in law has a farm they nest on. They would come up to the house and see their reflection in the basement windows and "fight" with the bird in the window wrecking his screens.

I agree they are pretty - and I like them much better in their tan feathers than the all grey they turn in winter.

Much as I try to ignore it - that keeps raising it's ugly head.

Thanks

I've been away for as couple days but you seem to be keeping the site busy .. I may not get back to all your posts but I have looked at all I think .. very nice presentations . and I like these cranes as I missed them at the local wildlife refuge where they winter .. All back north now! ...

WhyNot

Thanks WN

I often do that, too, Jim. These pictures look good to me. They are big, beautiful, impressive birds. Rich

I like ur Cranes Jim have never seen one in the flesh before 🙂

Thanks
Seems you still haven't. 😁