Sandhills and Sunset

Cranes Against the Sun

With the Sandhill Cranes in full migration mode, how about some Sandhill Cranes against the sun? These cranes were captured in southern Wisconsin as they gathered and lifted off on their fall journey. The hazy, dusty, smoke-tinted sunset was photographed in the same location during summer, inspiring a small creative experiment that combined the two moments into a single image — a scene I’d envisioned for quite some time and finally brought together digitally.

Migration Powerhouses

Of the 15 crane species worldwide, Sandhill Cranes are the most numerous and widely distributed. In North America, several recognized subspecies exist, including two non-migratory populations restricted to Mississippi and Florida. Sandhill Cranes are remarkably strong fliers and can travel up to 400 miles in a single day during migration. (Source: The Nature Conservancy)

This image is available as a fine art print in the Fine Art Print Store.