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Awards
Contender in the Photography Awards
Action Award
Chatter Award
Zenith Award
Winner in Cranes Photo Challenge
Legendary Award
Contest Finalist in Animals Around Us Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Animals With Wings Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Wildlife On The Move Photo Contest
Top Shot Award
Contest Finalist in The Nature Lover Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Wildlife Photo Contest 2017
Contest Finalist in Wings in Motion Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Covers Photo Contest Vol 35
Member Selection Award
Contest Finalist in Moving Subjects Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Two Of The Same Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Wildlife In Remote Places Photo Contest
Featured
Spring Selection Award
Contest Finalist in Covers Photo Contest Vol 28
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
All Star
Genius
Virtuoso
Emotions
Impressed
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Categories
Pegertler
April 28, 2016
You beautifully captured a unique moment in flight, with one bird beginning to lower landing gear...and nice balance of the other continuing to fly crane. Great lighting. Would love to know where it was taken? Montana? Congrats!
suzswanson
May 22, 2016
*waves* Hello fellow Sandhill Crane lover! Where did you snap this photo? Platte River, or a different state? :) I get to hang around the Platte during season :) Vote plus peer award on the way!
GLDPix
June 19, 2016
Thank you so much for the vote and peer award! I took this photo at Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge in East Tennessee.
Melinda_Stewart_Page
July 23, 2016
I love Sandhill Cranes and I must say, this is the best photo of them I have ever seen! Well done!
Eddieuuu071
April 16, 2017
Thank you for submitting your wonderful photo to this challenge! It's one of my favorites!
EllieSyth
December 26, 2017
Where is this? The cranes are amazing. Great shot. I love the little wonky leg. :)
texaaronpueschel
February 11, 2021
Voted again. I have to go to Gilray, California to shoot the Sandhill Cranes again.
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This image was taken in December at Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge in East Tennessee. Hiwassee Refuge has the largest wintering flock of Sandhill Cranes in the southeastern United States outside of Florida. Occasionally endangered whooping cranes may be seen as well as many species of migratory waterfowl. In mid January, there is a Sandhill Crane Festival here attracting birders from all over to see these large graceful birds and learn more about them.Time
We traveled there for a day trip to see the large flocks of different species of birds in hopes of getting a few good shots. We arrived early afternoon and drove around to different locations along the river until we ended up at the observation area in mid to late afternoon which is where this photo was taken. The overcast sky plus brown and gray background tones seemed to create a great backdrop for these large taupe colored birds.Lighting
The whole sky was overcast as these birds flew by us on their way to the area they gathered for the evening.Equipment
I used a Canon 60D camera body with a Canon EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS lens. We were talking to another photographer when I saw these two birds heading past the observation area. I raised my camera and shot this photo handheld as they flew by us.Inspiration
We went to the refuge to capture images of migratory birds but more specifically sandhill cranes. Birds are certainly one of the most challenging subjects for nature photographers. They are in constant motion which makes capturing that perfect image difficult. I think that's why I enjoy photographing them so much.Editing
I used Photoshop to adjust lighting, exposure, sharpness and other basic editing.In my camera bag
I use Canon equipment. In addition to the 60D camera body used for this photo, I now have a Canon 5D MarkIII that I am currently using. I always have the Canon EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS lens with a Canon 1.4x extender as well as the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens in my camera bag.Feedback
My best advice for bird or wildlife photography is to have patience and be persistent. It takes time to get good quality images of living things. They have a mind of their own and aren't always cooperative with photographers. I would also say take lots of shots. You never know which frame will have a certain movement or look that shows the essence of the animal. Capturing this essence is what makes a great wildlife photo.