There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration
of birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of
nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the
winter.--Rachel Carson
We saw this river of snow geese cross an interstate highway in the western Dakotas.
Sandhill Crane migration is also one of the truly spectacular
events of nature. We’ve seen them arrive and land in the Platte river valley of
Nebraska in their tens of thousands.
Stop for a corn break in the picked fields of Wisconsin.
Stood close to them sunning on a traffic island and crossing on a busy highway in Sebastian, Florida.
We’ve also noted them nesting, apparently for the first time ever, on a small refuge near our home in Bluff country. Here our friend, Mr. Science (Gary), took these spectacular “landing photos” of a pair. He was standing in the middle of a township road when they approached overhead and landed in the field right next to him. Take a look……..
Stop for a corn break in the picked fields of Wisconsin.
Stood close to them sunning on a traffic island and crossing on a busy highway in Sebastian, Florida.
We’ve also noted them nesting, apparently for the first time ever, on a small refuge near our home in Bluff country. Here our friend, Mr. Science (Gary), took these spectacular “landing photos” of a pair. He was standing in the middle of a township road when they approached overhead and landed in the field right next to him. Take a look……..
The Sandhills are wonderful birds. I'd love to get down to the Platte River during their migration sometime. I can only imagine the cacophony of noise! (I've seen specials on TV about it). Spectacular!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures! Thanks for taking me into the migration. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have seen them wintering at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur, Alabama. Their calls are otherworldly.
ReplyDeleteTennessee is considering allowing idiots to shoot them.
Morning, love all the pictures of the geese and cranes, sight to behold, Francine.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! We used to see them in WI and they are indeed gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteMr. Science sure got some beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteincredibly awesome!
ReplyDeleteWhat a joy, seeing all those beautiful big birds. I'll agree that Mr. Science got some great pix!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Jo
Awesome photos of those Sand Cranes. I am so happy that we as citizens recognized the need to establish wildlife refuges. Thanks to Rachel Carson and other foresighted scientists and writers who wrote about conserving our environment we passed laws to protect our wild lands and wildlife.
ReplyDeleteMagnificent!
ReplyDeleteHubby and I always try to stop in Kearney in March to see this magnificent spectacle. It's also THE place to catch the Snow Geese and Pelicans. I love Nebraska--would have moved there if it weren't for the heat and humidity and tornadoes..............
ReplyDeleteThere are very cool pictures. We used to live near a bird refuge in Utah. I always loved to visit during migration time. You really did get some great shots.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you were able to go see these. I use to live in Sidney, Iowa and we could see all those birds migrating both ways. I would love to see the cranes.
ReplyDeleteSpectacular birds, I've never seen them.
ReplyDeleteOMG that landing looks like they are getting caught in the barbed wire, I am sure they didn't but...
Amazing captures of one of my favorites, the Sandhill cranes. I love their sound as they chat in flight so very high.
ReplyDeleteAmazing to be there, I have many times in NE.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful and amazing! I never get to see these birds here in Montreal, but I do get to see a blue heron now and then. Beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteWe get a huge Snow Geese migration through Utah every year, but the Sandhill Cranes are in much smaller numbers. I need to visit Nebraska for that event one of these years. The pics are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWhen the cranes arrive in the spring they are very obvious . Later on when they're nest they are seldom seen.
ReplyDeleteWow!!! Those are amazing pictures. I have heard that Antelope Island, which is very close to my house and one of my favorite places in this state, have pelican's that migrate there. I have not seen them yet but plan to try to this year. (Because I finally can.)
ReplyDeleteMarvellous to see them in full flight. I didn't realise those birds came so close to human civilisation.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sight! In that first one, especially.
ReplyDeleteLucky you to be able to enjoy these birds in so many venues! I do not recall ever seeing one in the wild before. Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos of them coming in from flight!
ReplyDeleteWOW. That is the extent of my vocabulary when I see those pictures. Wow!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great share ~ the photos are amazing.
ReplyDeleteLove the opening quote as well, and I agree with it too.
I've only ever seen them in the median of roads in Stuart, Florida. The migration photos are incredible!
ReplyDeleteOh, VERY cool! I always see (and hear) them high in the sky when they are migrating, but have never seen them on the land. Really lovely birds!!
ReplyDeletebeautiful shots your Mr Science got!! I enjoyed them!! Your swarm of geese is very impressive also:)
ReplyDeleteSandhill cranes are wondrous to watch as they gently walk those long legs through the wild grass. Michigan has quite a few in its southwest corner. Don't know if they are here in the PNW. -- barbara
ReplyDelete