I spent a few days last week at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, near Batavia. I’ve trying to get back there at least twice a year because it is so peaceful and because it is a bird shooters paradise! But living in the Binghamton area makes it a bit harder. My goal on this trip was to get some images of the Sandhill Cranes. Recent sightings indicated that they were still at the refuge. The problem is that this refuge is 11,000 acres and the birds aren’t very dependable, but I took my chances and went. Click to enlarge images
I must go, my people need me!
Weaving through the trees…
The GBH’s were still there and they were willing subjects so I spent the morning with them. But the Cranes were still in the back of my mind…
Going after a trespassing Egret…..
There’s always someone around to keep you company!
By late morning I was ready to go find the Cranes. I probably blew a half tank of gas driving around to all the areas that were recommended by the great people on the Iroquois FB group. But still no luck. But I wasn’t worried, I still had another whole day to find them….
Day two started much like day one. The Herons were there to keep me company and I didn’t mind. It was such a beautiful morning to just be out there and be alive…..
Bobbing for Minnows…..
Jackpot!!!
Here comes the Sun!!
But still no Cranes. I could hear them near the Cayuga pool but was never able to get a look at them. Very frustrating, but the rest of the birds were so much fun it made for another great day!
A study in contrast….
Posing
What a way to spend an afternoon!
Flight school!
I’m sure that you can guess by now that I didn’t see one single Crane, which is what I originally came here to photograph. But how can you be upset after spending two days in such a beautiful, quiet spot with great friends to keep you company? You can be sure that I will be back in the Spring!!