Push Me Pull You

[Mason Jarr]

I stalked these sandhill cranes for over an hour and they never would let me get close. It was getting late in the day and I was loosing light so I ran the lens wide open to pick up as much light as I could to help with the camera shake. The shallow DOF caused the distant bird (the female) to be a little soft, but I liked the pose so I decided to keep it. These are big birds. The males are between 3 and 4 feet tall. They can be aggressive, too.

 

[Kelley (Texas)]

What do you mean about them being aggressive? You always post good pictures, thanks for sharing! Kelley (Texas)

 

[DavefromCt]

n/t

 

[Nancy-IL]

Those cranes are huge! I wouldn't have ever guessed they grew to be that tall. You photos are so amazing. Thanks for sharing with us. BEAUTIFUL!

 

[Mason Jarr]

Thank you, all. Kelley, I mean that beak isn't just for pulling up roots and grasses. If you get too close to them and they can't get away, they will put a hurt on you. I've seen them fighting other cranes and coyotes and they peck, kick with those long legs and beat with their wings.

We don't get a huge number of them around my area, but I saw about 10 pairs yesterday. When they start doing their mating dances they aren't quite as cautious so I might be able to get a little closer. I didn't have any camouflage clothing yesterday so they'd see me from quite a distance and start walking away faster than I was walking toward them. Then if you press them too hard they'll just fly. Bird photography can be hard.