signs of spring

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signs of spring

sandhill cranes
(click on image for larger size)
location: harney county

season: spring

backstory: before moving to this area i had never seen or heard of sandhill cranes.  there is something about their personality, so... strong.  in this area you know spring is on the way when you can hear their very distinctive calling way high in the sky as they migrate.  on the ground, when they call, they stretch their necks straight up.  fascinating. they fly in formation with great precision. sandhills also have a very elaborate mating dance.

this scene is part of the bird migratory path through harney county, that includes the malheur wildlife refuge. it is such a joy when driving through a fairly barren and desolate high desert to crest a ridge and see these amazing creatures. there is something deeply intriguing about the red area around the golden eyes.




Comments

  1. JimJanuary 8, 2021 at 9:53 AM

    Signs of Spring

    So very cool and does the shot include the other birds head?
    I always think of the Sand Hills as being one of the most real birds in the world.

    ReplyDelete
  2. kyleJanuary 12, 2021 at 8:07 PM

    thank you for your comment. the thumbnail is automatically cropped. click on the post title or read more for the full photo size and post. yes, sandhills epitomize real. i've got some other sandhill photos in process that i'll post when ready.

    ReplyDelete

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