In 1994, a group of cranes walked across the water, backlit by the first light of the sun.
Cranes have always been one of my favorite species to hang out with. It is important to me and my family. This story can be found featured in the “Bird of the Month” for September. Bosque Del Apache N.W.R is located in New Mexico. This is a place where sandhill cranes and snow geese go for the winter. There are thousands of cranes and tens of thousands snow geese that make this habitat home during these winter months. They roost on the open water which keeps them safe from predators at night. Starting at dawn the birds will lift off to go to their feeding grounds for the day. This can make for exceptional picture taking opportunities. Mornings are always one of my favorite times to take pictures. However, this is one of my favorites. There is nothing better than hearing the calls of thousands of your favorite birds, away from the hustle of life, in a place where birds have a refuge. This is something that never gets old. I would often be out long before the sunrise trying to stay warm. Even through the conditions, this picture always reminds me how magical and timeless this experience was.