April 14, 2014

Crane! Party of…3?

Baby Sandhill Crane
This sandhill crane couple was enjoying a pleasant evening alone.  Or…were they...all alone???  Moments earlier I encountered this scene:

Baby Sandhill Crane
Junior decided it was time to snuggle up close to mama.  Really close.

Baby Sandhill Crane
No one said it was going to be easy…or pretty…or dignified.  Face plant!

Baby Sandhill Crane
Getting to this point was such a feat, Junior flopped out for a brief respite before continuing…
Baby Sandhill Crane
I can almost hear Junior huffing and puffing, and hooching and snorting, flapping his wee wings trying to maneuver inside mama's ample wing until he located just the right spot.  As soon as he settled into position, mama nonchalantly folded her wing -- without looking behind her -- and Junior was tucked away safe, sound and warm.  Incredible!
Baby Sandhill Crane
What's also incredible is how much growing this little guy has to do.  Sandhill cranes are one of the tallest birds in the world, standing 3.5 to 4 feet high.  I'd like to thank my friend Pat for tipping off the SDP staff about this nest -- great find.  Thanks for sharing!


10 comments:

LOLfromPasa said...

I really appreciate these photos of yours. I have been trying to capture a crane at our local park but it is always too far away. Now I know what I am missing :). Lovely shots.

Kay said...

Another series of amazing shots! These are glorious - love 'em!!

Jack said...

Hey! Your staff photographer is Johnny-on-the-spot. Please congratulate her for her fine photojournalism.

Kathy said...

Ahhh!

Kate said...

A great sequence of photos showing a day in the life. . .

Pam said...

Cutest thing EVER!

Brian King said...

LOL! Most little ones aren't very graceful. Nice shots!

Carole M. said...

these are just adorable; such a wonderful sequence of photos

Lois said...

Wonderful series of photos! I don't get to see sandhill cranes up here in north Florida, but I do like seeing them when I visit my grandkids in Orlando.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Well I never! I did not know that birds did this SDP.. I do love to learn something new every day, excellent series of shots.