Sandhill Crane I can fly (almost). The juvenile is doing a lot more wing exercises, running and flapping. |
Sandhill Crane While the juvenile waves its wings around, the parent watchfully walks alongside. |
Sandhill Crane The juvenile is becoming much more alert to everything, including every bird that flies overhead. |
Sandhill Crane More often than not, the juvenile goes into the lead, with the parents attentively following along. |
Sandhill Crane Showing enthusiasm for everything. |
Sandhill Crane It wanders off into the tall grass as the parents continue walking on, until they realize the detour. |
Sandhill Crane One immediately returns to stand guard while the juvenile busies itself in the search for food. |
Sandhill Crane As the parent forces its way through the flowers and grass, one stalk pushes the juvenile lower and lower until it steps free. |
Sandhill Crane That threat past, the juvenile needs to study the surroundings in case there are more threats. |
Sandhill Crane The parents still offer small morsels to eat. |
Sandhill Crane And the juvenile gladly accepts the food. |
Sandhill Crane The visible flight feathers are developing at an amazing rate. Lift off in very few weeks. |
Sandhill Crane Unknown thoughts shuffle about its head as it learns the strange world. |
Sandhill Crane With their similar poses, the rapid growth of the juvenile is clear to see when right next to an adult. |
Sandhill Crane The juvenile has learned the fine art of spearing the muddy ground for hidden food. |
Sandhill Crane And off for another pre-flight check out. |
Sandhill Crane All gyrations are good in developing the flight muscles, and balance. |
Sandhill Crane Running is part of it since that can be part of gaining speed for the take-off. |
Sandhill Crane The family wanders on together, wary of passing dogs attached to passing people. |
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