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Sandhill Crane Week 10



Sandhill Crane
On a foggy day the wings are working well, with
one of many runs and take-offs. Age, about 70 days.


Sandhill Crane
Showing good form, legs together and
trailing as some elevation is gained.


Sandhill Crane
A great height of maybe eight or ten feet at the
top of the flight of almost a hundred feet.


Sandhill Crane
After turning and landing, then hopping and
flapping back toward the adults.


Sandhill Crane
Some dancing comes next, hopping up and down
in a circle, flapping for height.


Sandhill Crane
An adult definitely likes the idea of dancing,
something else to learn when growing up.


Sandhill Crane
The juvenile and one of the adults danced around
each other. Exciting for both.


Sandhill Crane
The juvenile doesn't know why it's exciting, but
wants more dancing as the adult skips away.


Sandhill Crane
Chasing in earnest. More. More.


Sandhill Crane
The dancing adult pivots near the other adult,
who is stirred up a bit, yet not part of it.


Sandhill Crane
Still, spinning around, everyone
has wings flared out and taking part.


Sandhill Crane
The juvenile is persistent about more dancing.


Sandhill Crane
The parent turns to oblige.


Sandhill Crane
Back to circling and hopping straight
up with strong flaps and great wing displays.


Sandhill Crane
The adult shows off a good hop and flap.

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Sandhill CraneSandhill Crane
The adult shows off a good hop and flap.
Throw in a few low bows to mix it up.


Sandhill Crane
The adult spins away with the juvenile
gladly following. All very thrilling.


Sandhill Crane
Then a big mix-up as all three weave
back and forth and doing flapping runs.


Sandhill Crane
The adult tries to start winding things
down before the excitement becomes too much.


Sandhill Crane
Wings folded, the adult conveys
calmness and all-doneness.


Sandhill Crane
The juvenile is having none of that. All the
extra energy has to go into another flight.


Sandhill Crane
Not much of one, but with the hops and flaps
in between, it covers ground rapidly.


Sandhill Crane
Getting airborne without a lot of height,
but high enough for a few flaps.


Sandhill Crane
The legs are trailing behind in excellent
form good for a longer flight when the time comes.

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2 comments:

  1. Oh my, what an incredible sequence. What a show that must have been. Have you experienced anything more thrilling?

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    Replies
    1. The adult was getting a bit jazzed up, too, as its neck feathers were all ruffled.

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