Whooping Cranes
by Rob Graham
Four Whooping Cranes have been hanging out at Quivira NWR, central Kansas, for the last few days. They weren't in the expected location at first, but after returning a little while later, closer to sunset, I found them in the expected location. Quivira is extremely dry now, after being drawn down and then not getting any rain for a while now. The Whoopers were pecking at the dead/dying carp that have been stranded by the low water levels. The birds started off a fair ways out in the marsh, but then amazing starting walking towards the 3 of us who were observing them from the road. I can't accurately guess how close they were, but it was close :). The experience was amazing, and the night was calm and beautiful. I didn't handle the lighting very well, as the birds were mostly backlit the whole time. I've tried to salvage what I can, especially this image with 3 of the birds at once. Luckily, I also took some video with my 7D, and it turned out much better than my still shots. This is a small crop from full frame, at 500mm. C&C always welcome and appreciated.
Comments
8 commentscheers
Rob
This is an elegant image. All I can say.
May