Paynes Prairie Cranes

I mentioned this at this month's meeting and thought it might be worth a mention here as well.  I went out to La Chua trail recently and found that the number of Sandhill Cranes is on the increase.  The water levels on the Prairie are a little lower than what we had this time last year but it looks as though we may well be in for another great year for getting some good photos of our yearly migratory friends.

I also noticed a couple of Whooping Cranes.  You may know that there are two that pretty much hang around the Prairie year round.  I watched (and photographed) one for a couple of weeks over the summer and he was looking pretty ragged.  Well, the ones I saw recently really have good bright feathers and look really good.  They both were hanging around the trail as well as the big pond out from the observation tower.  Of course, don't get them mixed up with the large number of Wood Storks flying around or the distant sights of White Pelicans that can be seen from the observation tower.  These great birds provide some really good opportunities for some great shots!

Lastly, thought I would mention that many of the other winter residents of the prairie are starting to come back in numbers.  It is pretty easy to find an American Bittern or two (or more) along the water's edge, next to the trail.  The Northern Harriers are back in force. There is a good number of waterfowl (ducks and sorts) starting to show up as well.  And of course, don't forget that the Bald Eagles are back and settling in for the winter. 

The one tip I would have for those trekking out to the trail:  Walk slowly and keep your eyes wide open.

Good shooting!