I spent last week at the Zapata Ranch in southern Colorado for a sandhill crane photography trip. One of our photography leaders Michael Forsberg said that by the end of the trip, we might all become “craniacs.” He was right! We photographed the cranes at sunrise and sunset where thousands of cranes stop on their migration through the San Luis Valley. Photography aside, it was quite an experience to simply observe the cranes flying, eating and interacting with one another.
I wanted to share this photo because you can see our shadows in the foreground to get a feel for how close we were to the cranes!
Sandhill cranes are very majestic-looking birds, especially when they spread their wings!
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That’s amazing. I thought only Florida could boast about the Sandhills. We just had a new baby hatch at the Wildlife park here. They mate for life and it is amazing to watch the dynamics of the ‘family’.
Experts say that 27,000 sandhill cranes migrate through that area in Colorado each year! And yes, the family dynamics are great to watch. And you gotta love their “dancing” antics!
Great post and photos Kirsten. You were in my neck of the woods as I live only 2 hrs away from the San Luis Valley of Colorado. The crane migration there is a lot of fun. I didn’t get to go down there this year but did have a family of 5 Sandhill Cranes spend several days a few miles from where I live on my friend’s farm
Wow, SeEtta! I had no idea you are so close to the San Luis Valley! What a beautiful area. I went to the Great Sand Dunes National Park two days as well. Talk about gorgeous scenery! I have pictures of that, too, that I’ll post someday!