Caedes

  Sand Hill Cranes Spring of 2015  

Click here to view at full resolution.
Uploaded: 03/21/15 11:30 AM GMT
Sand Hill Cranes Spring of 2015
Views: 501
Dlds: 242
Status: active

Yesterday afternoon, I decided to take the 1 1/2 drive west of here to see the cranes that are migrating. This area Jasper-Pulaski is part of their migration route. This small group were close to the road, so I took this one out the car window.

I used the canon 40D with the canon 70-200 f4/L lens, it was a cloudy, and cool day.

Here is some info on them:Sandhill cranes have mostly grayish feathers-- the shade of gray can vary widely. The forehead has a bright red patch that is one of the most noticeable features of the bird. The cheeks are white. Although the feathers are gray, sometimes they can have a reddish-brown appearance. The reason for the change in color is that sandhill cranes preen themselves by rubbing mud on their feathers. The mud can be brown or red. The red mud comes from iron rich environments. Size: Sandhill cranes are about 3-4 feet tall. The wingspan can be over 5 feet wide.

Thank you for your comments.

tigs=^..^=

Comments

Post a Comment  -  Subscribe to this discussion
::LynEve
03/21/15 11:44 AM GMT
Gosh these are quite enormous birds - what a thrill to see them this close and get such a good shot of four together. Well done Sandi, it was worth the drive.
2∈ [?]
My thanks to all who leave comments for my work and to those of you who like one enough to make it a favourite. To touch just one person that way makes each image worthwhile. . . . . . . . . .. . . . "The question is not what you look at, but what you see" ~ Marcel Proust
::mirto56
03/21/15 11:54 AM GMT
You've captured some beautiful colors and detail with these migrating cranes, Sandi. I say it was well worth the long drive out to see them. Hoping to see more! Fantastico.
2∈ [?]
Smile, without a reason why. Love, as if you were a child, Smile, no matter what they tell you Don't listen to a word they say Cause life is beautiful that way.
.stylo
03/21/15 12:26 AM GMT
yes, well done! because here's another feature of these birds SAS, that i know to be true, i got them in my backyard every year. we call them the pterodactyl's.. thier very loud! they like to wake you up in the morning very early as they call their young or mate. the other feature i noticed? they're hard to get close to..very hard! well done my freind!

now i did not know this about the color of the birds & always wondered why i seen them grayish at times & orange like at other times...i wasnt going to mention that to anyone because i thought i was seeing things the first time i noticed it..lol. they have one or two babies(eggs laid) a year and they stay with the parents for the first year, or so i read i believe...and i do believe you got a shot of the whole family here. seems two are smaller then the other two. not to mention one is gray! he must be the one the parents always have a hard time gettin him to take a bath :) "messy marvin" would have been a good title..lol!
3∈ [?]
::Ramad
03/21/15 12:32 AM GMT
Nice capture of the sandhill cranes parading Sandi. I wonder whether they started coating themselves with mud to get rid of fleas and other insects or whether it was a camouflage for them.
2∈ [?]
Smooth seas do not make skilful sailors.
::Jimbobedsel
03/21/15 12:42 AM GMT
I have never seen any Sandhill Cranes in the wild, only in the zoo. That must have been pretty exciting to see, and get pictures of. Beautifully done, Sandi.
2∈ [?]
ALL IMAGES ARE VIEWED FULL SIZE
.picardroe
03/21/15 1:01 PM GMT
Nice and clear shot of those crane, Well captured Sandi.
0∈ [?]
.GIGIBL
03/21/15 1:05 PM GMT
Super shot Sandi very well captured.
0∈ [?]
::0930_23
03/21/15 3:40 PM GMT
Looks like they have their own sign, Tigz. Do they take it with them wherever they migrate? :)
I always enjoy your shots of these. We don't have any in our parts. Sand hills are rather scarce too.

TicK


(Viewed Full Screen) ☂
2∈ [?]
People are like cameras--sometimes they lose focus.
.gizmo1
03/21/15 4:42 PM GMT
This is one lovely looking capture and I absolutey love the brown colour tones in this photo and when you enlage this photo the detail is superb .Very nice capture and it great to see shots of these beautiful birds ,so thanks for sharing Sandi.
3∈ [?]
.Marzena
03/21/15 5:29 PM GMT
They simply must be some of the more distant relatives to agent SAAB ... At least as far as preening in mud is concerned. Also another reason overlooked by Raj might be disguising! But, all right this is neither time nor place for such spy lecture.
I envy you the drive and its results very much.
So does SAAB but with more vehemence. :)
SAM & SAAB
2∈ [?]
With all my love and respect, Marzena
::trixxie17
03/21/15 6:44 PM GMT
Well captured - you are fortunate to be able to see them every year Sandi - they look healthy after the winter I'd say.
2∈ [?]
. . . "What a desolate place would be a world without a flower! It would be a face without a smile, a feast without a welcome." A.J. Balfour
.Joanie
03/21/15 8:52 PM GMT
Your description explained what I wanted to know. Wonderful capture Sandi!!!
2∈ [?]
ALWAYS VIEW FULL SCREEN...SO MUCH MORE BEAUTY!
.Starglow
03/22/15 12:25 AM GMT
Wonderfully captured. I've never seen one, but you are lucky to be able to get such great shots of these birds. I liked your earlier posts also.
2∈ [?]
::bfrank
03/22/15 12:30 AM GMT
Good shot of the cranes Sandi. Thanks for the info. I didn't know they liked dirt baths. Your really fortunate to have these so close by.
2∈ [?]
Life's moments are sweet. I just want to capture all that I can of them.
.mesmerized
03/22/15 5:05 AM GMT
This would be a very unusual sight for me to see...it's always just one and standing in water on one leg...interesting info and good shot, SAS.
2∈ [?]
.susanlynn
03/23/15 4:54 PM GMT
It must be a terrific sight when they are flying in or out of this field Sandi. What a treat to be able to view them during their migration - great shot.
2∈ [?]
Life is a Constant Audition
::garrettparkinson
03/23/15 5:07 PM GMT
Amazing birds. How cool to have them so close to where you live.
2∈ [?]
.icedancer
03/25/15 6:44 PM GMT
Wowsie, that is a outstanding capture of these wonderful birds, really like the way the feathers and their colours are showing browns and such detail.
0∈ [?]
VIEWED IN FULL *** HAPPY EASTER
.Eubeen
03/26/15 1:54 AM GMT
A great capture of these long-legged chickens, Sandi. Good colours and textures in the photo.
0∈ [?]
Sometimes the appropriate response to reality is to go insane. -- Philip K. Dick, Valis

Leave a comment (registration required):

Subject: