Sandhill Cranes in the Central Valley | Nature in Northern California
It wasn’t until a few years ago that I’d ever heard of sandhill cranes. (Photography has introduced me to so many people, places, animals, and things!) And, truthfully, I really didn’t see the attraction. I have never been a big bird person so it was not really on my radar to photograph them. In fact, landscapes, especially the ocean, were what I wanted to shoot. A few years ago, I discovered the beauty of the mountains with their lakes, trees, fresh air and the potential for beautiful photography there. As my interests evolved in photography subjects, I became interested in wildlife; and ultimately, birds. Because birds are everywhere, they are just such a great subject. Each year during the winter there are thousands of sandhill cranes in the Central Valley of California who over-winter here.
Sandhill Cranes
Sandhill cranes are amazing. They are huge birds that mate for life and migrate to our area annually. They will live 20 to 30 years, and even longer in captivity. Sandhill cranes are some of the oldest living species of bird having been around for two million years. Remaining in large groups, during the predawn hours you can hear their unique vocalization as they prepare to leave the wetlands where they have stayed overnight. The morning fly-out (and evening fly-in) is so engaging.
“Dancing” is one of the behaviors for which they are known. Hopping, flapping their wings, tossing up dirt clods or sticks in order to attract a mate are all behaviors of the courting sandhill cranes.
The photos below show the progression of the morning, from pre-dawn to early morning.
As the cranes flew out and the sun began to rise, other waterfowl flew in. Geese, ducks, and egrets all found their way to the open wetlands.
After flying out of the wetlands area, the cranes went to a dry field nearby where they searched for insects and other items to eat. They also put on quite a display of flapping their wings, hopping about, and grabbing dirt clods to throw up into the air.
Watching them ‘dance’ might be the most fun I’ve had as a photographer! They appear very comical as they go about trying to impress their mate, or potential mate.
Off to another field.
Until next year.
To see a previous post featuring sandhill cranes, go to:
Sandhill Cranes | Nature in Northern California.
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As a published, featured northern California fine art photographer living in the greater Sacramento area, I specialize in fine art landscape, nature, and still life photography. My style is authentic, fresh and personality-driven. I offer several educational opportunities including workshops and photography mentoring. You can learn about them by going to SERVICES and WORKSHOPS. While currently living in rural northern California with my husband and a couple thousand walnut trees, I post regularly to Instagram.
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When I began learning photography, birds were not on my radar as subjects. People, nature, landscapes, still life, and general things of interest to me were my subjects. In fact, I’ve never really cared for birds. It might be because I was attacked by a rooster once upon a time.