Sandhill Cranes Scenery and Such

Finally found them!

After four attempts to find and photograph the lovely Sandhill Cranes –I did find them! Although this is late in their migration season–there were still a few to be seen and enjoyed!

In Flight

Lift off

Some of you may remember that I went to a workshop recently on my Nikon D300s…it was fabulous. Learned much about using my camera more effectively. Part of the changes I made were to set Auto ISO and give a range–at the instructors urging. Seemed good to me. Really wish I would have thought about the consequences of this action–setting the ISO range from 200-3200. Realized late in this shoot that my ISO was shooting up to ISO 32o0. Was I checking pics for focus–yes. Did I look at histograms–yes! Am I shooting in RAW and jpg–yes!

The good news–is I now have my camera ISO under my control and not in Auto anything! Some lessons only take one time to learn:)

Amazing Grace

What a wingspan!

: So many birds!

There were so many birds to view and enjoy. Amazing how they seem to have their own little sections of this pond.

A White-crowned Sparrow posed for a brief moment…

Not sure who is watching whom

This was a crazy weather weekend–and I was able to enjoy amazing natural shows of beauty while waiting for dusk and hoping more Sandhill Cranes would arrive.

Into the field of Gold

Slice of the field of gold

Wispy Clouds

: Hint of sunset

This was my favorite shot of the day. Loved the setting sunlight on their bodies…sadly–ISO was at 3200.

Into the Light

The visit ended as soon as the raindrops started to fall! Will go earlier next year. Was still just a wonderful time to appreciate being near such lovely birds.

This entry was posted on February 26, 2011 by DrMarm. It was filed under Uncategorized .

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4 responses

Julie G.

These are all amazing shots! How lucky you were to view the Sandhill Cranes. Such cool birds. Fabulous action images! They have such beautiful wings. The scenic photographs are very lovely, as well. Stunning colors. Wish I was there to view such beauty.

February 26, 2011 at 4:48 pm

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Beverly Everson

Wonderful post!!! Lucky you! I’ve never seen a sandhill crane. Beautiful!

February 27, 2011 at 3:09 am

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bonniegunkel

These are all fabulous shots! The birds are so beautiful! I love the field of gold shot with the rainbow as well. Thanks for sharing such beauty with us!

February 27, 2011 at 6:26 pm

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dreamfalcon

Wow, what a sunset and beautiful Crane photos. The last one really is very nice but I also like the in landing position, hanging in the sky.

February 28, 2011 at 7:39 pm

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