I was lucky enough to spend a few days at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge last week. I had recently been awarded a grant from NYSCA and Iroquois was on my list as a place to help fulfill the grant obligations.
And on the top of my image wish list was an image of two Northern Pintail ducks in breeding plumage. They are among the most beautiful ducks out there beside my all-time favorite, the Wood duck.
I was quickly reminded how fickle the photography gods are because I couldn’t get nearly close enough to get an acceptable image. It didn’t matter what I did it just wasn’t going to happen, and I only had 2 days. But being a wildlife photographer sometimes means that you have to switch gears and try something different!
I knew that there were several Sandhill Cranes at the refuge, and it’s breeding season for them too. And you will know when they are anywhere near you, because their high-pitched call is unmistakable. Once I started looking for the Cranes, the gods began to smile on me again and gave me some good looks at these beautiful birds! I took several hundred Crane pics while I was up there, but I’ll spare you from looking at them all and only show a few. I hope you enjoy them! Click on the images to enlarge
Looking for breakfast
Quiet grace…
Outta here!
My favorite!
Last, but not least, “In her element”
Thanks for looking, and remember, get out and shoot!!
