Stopover
Each year the Sandhill Cranes stop on a migratory path over Montana, grubbing for a meal in the stalks of last year’s cuttings. Today I saw only 10 or so, but a few days ago I bet there were about 50. That’s not a huge number by any means, but it’s more than I remember being around here in the past. I hope their numbers continue to grow; they’re large, beautiful birds that produce some rather interesting sounds and have a beautiful mating dance. A little piece of ‘priceless’ trivia for you - like horses, young Sandhills are called ‘colts’. These images were all taken handheld via a 70-200mm lens, but the cranes did allow me to get within 30 or 40 yards…pretty neat.
Beautiful catch, Cody, all three. I always love the bird shots. (I think I might need to know where this was, by the way).
Sandhill cranes are such a dignified bird to observe. I think their wingspan is like six feet tip to tip! Some people actually hunt these birds in the fall.
Fascinating post! At first glance, I thought “ostrich?” since their bodies look a bit similar in your first photo. But the second and third shots revealed (and also your text
that they were sandhill cranes. Cool.
@Vicki - I’m not sure what happened, but a few years ago I found myself really becoming interested in birds. I remember as a kid thinking bird watchers were strange, but here I am. Not that I go out with the binoculars and a field book, but I tend to watch them if they’re around. ‘Dignified’ is such the perfect word to describe them, Vic, nice choice. I was unaware of it before, but just read about them being a game bird…it’s kind of like shooting a small deer or something. Thanks for your visit and comment.
@Diane - Ya know, I thought ‘ostrich’ a bit when working on that first image, we seem to share an eye!
Though not nearly as large, they definitely present similarly at the right angle. I think the only larger bird in these parts it the Grean Blue Heron, maybe the Turkey Vulture in terms of wingspan…I’ll have to look that up. Much appreciated as always, Diane.