I’ve been a bit obsessed with Sandhill Cranes this month. They arrive in Montana early each fall, and hang out in the wheat fields until they decide that the time has come to head south. Watching and listening as the cranes glide in for a landing to join the rest of the flock is the highlight of my day; it becomes one of those perfect moments when time stands still and I’m just totally there.
It’s pretty spectacular when the birds are gliding over my head against a brilliant blue sky,
but when I can catch their silhouettes against the golden light of an autumn sunset, well, that’s when the magic really happens.
Off the Beaten Path: Hikes, Backpacks, and Travels 
Beautiful!
Did you see yesterday’s CBS Sunday Morning? The Moment of Nature segment at the end of the program featured Glacier NP. Stunning!
Didn’t see it – was actually in Yellowstone yesterday, in blowing cold rain!
I’m with you all the way on sandhill cranes! I saw my first ones around here a while ago and it was an exciting find. They are so much fun to capture as you demonstrated.
Your post about the dysfunctional crane family was the best! The ones I’m watching now are being rather boringly functional.
It’s funny how functional is so boring. You either have a good memory or were really going way back to come up with the family gathering post. That is still one of my favourites. From my observations, the dysfunction only seems to happen in very large groups of the birds. But I’m hoping we both find more!
I love sandhill cranes. I heard them before I saw them for the first time, years ago in Grand Teton NP. I’ve seen them several times since in Yellowstone. There is something magical about them.
Yes, they do make the best sounds. I love the way they call to each other as each new group flies in to join the others – that rattling, but somehow musical, call.
We were always delighted when we spotted the cranes in Yellowstone. Great shots!
Thanks!
Great photos!
🙂