Sandhill Crane

Gallery: AvianPosted November 2, 2009126 views12 comments

Each fall we look forward to observing flocks of Sandhill Cranes that use the Ridgefield NWR as a rest stop on their migration south. It's not unusual to have several hundred somewhere on the refuge's 5100 acres, which is not all public viewing areas. Bottom line, when your fortunate to find them grazing the public areas these wary birds are usually several hundred feet away and too far to reach, even with a long lens (visitors required to stay in vehicles.) I was lucky last week to come across a pair, very early, only 90 ft away and while the feather detail is a tad soft, I was very happy to get this close.

canon 40D
canon 600mm f/4.L USM w/1.4 TC
F/7.1 @ 1/200
ISO 400
Auto window bean bag rest

Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on November 2, 2009 at 8:01 AM

A beautiful shot Craig, I´ve never been fortunate to get close to them at Ridgefield. I wish for a little more room on the bottom here but I do so in my own current post as well. I love the setting, colors and comp.

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Saunders on November 2, 2009 at 8:15 AM

A very pretty shot Craig.

Registered on February 6, 2008, 321 Posts, 3035 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on November 2, 2009 at 10:01 AM

Nice, Craig. The large image shows good detail and I like the environment showing in this one.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by KC Choo on November 2, 2009 at 10:14 AM

I'd be very happy with this. From a presentation point of view, I might have given room at the bottom for its hidden feet.

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Twaddell on November 2, 2009 at 10:59 AM

Very nice, Craig. I tried and tried to get close to these guys at Ridgefield a couple of weeks ago, without any luck. I agree that there needs to be a bit more room at the bottom for the feet.

Registered on August 16, 2007, 199 Posts, 2132 Comments

Comment posted by kiran khanzode on November 2, 2009 at 2:20 PM

Beautiful head angle, I love the colors and pose. Space at the bottom has been mentioned.

Registered on February 21, 2009, 83 Posts, 428 Comments

Comment posted by Sally King on November 2, 2009 at 2:37 PM

Even without more room at the bottom I think this is still a very nice image. I like the raised leg and the surrounding vegetation. Nice look at the eye too.

Registered on December 2, 2008, 416 Posts, 4450 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on November 2, 2009 at 3:00 PM

The larger view is wonderful Craig, it shows the detail on the head and the beautiful colors. I really like the composition.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on November 2, 2009 at 5:03 PM

Nice Craig. Nit about room at bottom already mentioned. Otherwise a nice feel to this image.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Matt Shellenberg on November 2, 2009 at 8:02 PM

Very nice Craig. I love that pose and the surroundings are great. I agree with others about more space on the bottom, but that is a small nit on a great image.

Registered on February 6, 2008, 168 Posts, 3118 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on November 2, 2009 at 8:08 PM

Nicely done Craig. I especially like the setting here. I've been almost this close to a pair of these cranes once but my shots certainly aren't this nice.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on November 3, 2009 at 8:33 PM

Craig,

I love the feeling this image creates within me, which is peaceful & relaxing. Love the cranes pose & the setting very much.

The only thing I wish for is a bit more space on the bottom, but that doesn't change the way the image makes me feel.

Sweet light and I really enjoy the raised leg and head angle.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments