Sandhill Crane Search
It's been dry in our area, and most of the small wetland marshes have dried up. These typically provide water and rest for Sandhill Cranes. For the last few weeks, to no avail, I've been scouting these areas for Cranes.
Late Thursday, I decided to venture out again to find some Cranes.
Fuji Film X-T4 Fujifilm Nikon 500 PF F5.6
It had rained the last few days, and I hoped there might be some water in the wetlands. My favorite area still had no water or Cranes. I decided to take a drive looking for freshly harvested corn fields.
Fuji Film X-T4 Fujifilm Nikon 500 PF F5.6
To my surprise, most of the corn is still standing. I'm not sure why most fields have not been harvested. I was almost ready to give up when I caught a glimpse of some Sandhills in a cut field between some trees. I turned around and parked my Jeep across the road.
Fuji Film X-T4 Fujifilm Nikon 500 PF F5.6
The field was more significant than I first noticed, and there must have been several hundred Cranes. All I had was my 500mm, so I couldn't take pictures showing the whole field.
Fuji Film X-T4 Fujifilm Nikon 500 PF F.5.6
I found a nice spot on the edge of the field and sat down. I stayed there most of the evening, watching the Cranes fly in and out of the area. They are so graceful in flight.
Fuji Film X-T4 Fujifilm Nikon 500 PF F.5.6
This group of five was startled by something and took off right in front of me.
Fuji Film X-T4 Fujifilm Nikon 500 PF F5.6
Several flocks of Geese flew over, and they found a vacant area in the cornfield to land.
Fuji Film X-T4 Fujifilm Nikon 500 PF F5.6
I watched in the distance as this group of Cranes fed on the corn scraps.
Fuji Film X-T4 Fujifilm Nikon 500 PF F5.6
This pair came flying by and was lit nicely by the setting sun. It wasn't long before the sun sunk below the horizon, and I headed for home. I enjoyed watching and photographing the Cranes.
Photography should be fun! It's not about the phone or camera brand you're using. Remember, your best photographs result from one thing, making an effort to get out and shoot.
Comments are always welcomed.
Mark
