The Majestic Creatures That Are The Whooping Cranes. (Photo Essay)

I had never actually seen a crane before. Not really. Perhaps in the far distance... so far away that it might as well not count. So, when I learned that there was a place to see all 15 species of cranes in one facility I was there!

Since there's so many photos from this place (The International Crane Foundation) I've decided to do it in a series of essays. Today I'll just show the Whooping Cranes - which are the birds that I took the most photos of.

They are housed in a marsh habitat - much different than the other cranes are housed. There's a series of chairs there under a shaded awning so one might sit with them for hours, if you so chose to do so.

When we arrived there it appeared one of them had been sleeping. 

Or perhaps it still was sleeping. The other one walked around a little bit.


Aside from the natural habitat, I liked the reflections in the water here. They made for wonderful photo ops.


One thing you'll notice is just how majestic they are. They don't even have to be that active to see that.


I think someone forgot to let that other crane know that they had visitors.


I think someone gave him the notice.


Getting a drink.


Looks like there's an after-nap grooming session going on here.




I believe this is the other one now.


Sleepy head looking a little more alert now.


A little after -nap run. Look at those wings. Amazing.


A little relaxation moment.


They just stroll around quietly.






One last shot: Getting ready for the next guests.


We have a Season Pass here, so we plan to make a few more trips out soon to see their chicks. All chicks are born late May - Early June. :)

All photos taken with my Canon Powershot A560 camera. No editing done.