(Note: Currently, I’m involved in a last-minute, 3-day project that came my way on Friday afternoon. Likely will not be on social medial much for a couple of days. I’ll share info on this unique opportunity in a few days :o) )
Today’s post features some Whooping Cranes in flight. One of the very distinct differences between Sandhill Cranes and Whooping Cranes that I observed during my recent trip to the Texas’ Gulf Coast, is the social behavior. While Sandhill Cranes tend to group up in large groups, the Whooping Cranes stay in small, familial groups. This will usually consist of two adults and one juvenile.
At one point, a trio of Whooping Cranes flew into the area, landing ahead of us:
As soon as this group landed, there was a loud, raspy “chatter” from our left. Looking over, there was a pair of adult whoopers along with their juvenile offspring, at a distance of 150-200 yards from the other group. Within seconds, the two adults and one juvenile took flight, directly towards the group that had just flown in, chasing them from the area:
Quite an interesting display of behavior!
Photographic Equipment Used:
- Canon 7D Mark II body
- Canon 500mm, f/4 IS lens + Canon 1.4x TC
- Bogen tripod with Wimberly gimbal head
- ISO 500 and ISO 640
- Aperture f/5.6 (all)
- Shutter 1/1000 sec. to 1/3200 sec.