While running errands in the big-little city, a family of Sandhill Crane walked right towards me like they owned the place. Check out the little Colt on the left LOL! There is always one in the crowd.
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Did you know crane babies were called colts? Me either. Google says "They get this name because they are able to walk and even run within a day of hatching, similar to a young horse (colt), and also due to their long legs."
Um, they were getting kinda close. I was a couple parking stalls away from Mr. (?) Crane when I decided to get out of the determined families way, and go inside to buy my seed.
Apparently this Crane family are regular visitors to the bird store's little outdoor feeder area. It is surrounded by a very very busy parking lot. Surprising it would be their choice. There is nothing but businesses & busy streets in the area. There must be a nearby retention pond somewhere. How these slow moving birds survive city living/cars is a mystery to me.
Back to our land, where it is much quieter. Well, not the Crane. They are still LOUD! We have 2-4 Cranes who chose to hang out on our land. They think they own the place and surrounding fields. We see them everywhere. On the daily. Brad even had to “herd” Crane while cutting hay yesterday. If you've ever shared space with them, you know they take their sweet time getting out of the way.
Nemo is not sharing his pasture
(pair of crane above left of decorative whirly gig)
I knew cranes mated for life, but learned they can live up to 20 years. A couple days ago, I decided to haul my big camera and mid lens on my daily dog walk. I was so glad I did! We rounded a corner and yikes!! Four Crane squawked, flew up out of nowhere and startled the dogs and I.
I try to preset camera settings that I think will work for potential conditions. I rarely use rapid fire anymore. Predict then click, is how I like to shoot action. More challenging and less photos to sort.
up, up and away
Things got exciting when the crane circled back overhead!! I may or may not have yelled "YESSS!" They continued to be loud. Warning? Scolding? Or both. Not sure.
these three took off together
Crane four trying to catch up
all lined up, including Crane four
I almost forgot how fun shooting birds is! The rest of my camera pics from this walk to come, with a different focus.
5 comments:
Wow that is up close and personal! They must like the area in town:)
Free food will get them acclimated to humans in a hurry!
Neat flight shots, You gotta be quick on the shutter button if you are using presets!
Love it! That family of cranes is priceless. I’ve never seen sand hill cranes, but it is on my bucket list. They have that annual big migration I’d like to catch. Admittedly, I know little to nothing about them. They remind me of our herons around here, but it seems like you have a lot more cranes. Good job having your camera ready!
Great shots of the cranes and especially those in fight. Wonderful captures. We don’t have them here normally, though sometimes a few will stop over. I have never seen them.
Fantastic action shots.
Yes, the cranes are so noisy! The last time I was to KVR in the spring, they were echoing all over the place.
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