Sandhill Cranes at Sunset

[Bob Israel]

I did a visit to the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge yesterday. It has become a stopping point for Sandhill Cranes migrating south. To get here, I had to hike two miles from the main road and there's very limited access to this spot. Just five years ago migration numbers were in the hundreds. This year, 15-20,000 sandhill cranes are expected. The numbers yesterday were estimated to be 7,000. I was situated by a small lake where the bed down for the night. Wave after wave of birds came in during sunset. Of course, I was shooting into the sun but heading back there later this week for sunrise where the sun will be behind me.

 

[JimFox]

It sure looks like it was worth the hike Jim! I like these a lot. Did you do a video of it also?

 

[AlanLichty]

A really nice sunset to frame these guys with. I love the silhouettes of the cranes in the second image as they approach their landing site - very unique view. I like the last image quite a bit as well.

 

[Bob Israel]

@JimFox Be sure to turn up the sound!

 

[Trent Watts]

Absolutely lovely Bob. That second one is pretty cool with 'Wheels down' on most of the birds.

 

[Bob Israel]

Thank you Trent!

 

[Trent Watts]

On a side note Bob. I'm curious as to what method you used to show the excellent video. It doesn't appear to be loaded to YouTube first. Something I would like to be able to do.

 

[Bob Israel]

On a side note Bob. I'm curious as to what method you used to show the excellent video. It doesn't appear to be loaded to YouTube first. Something I would like to be able to do.

It's an iPhone video. I had to export the video and down rez from 4K to 720. Both 4K and 1080 exports resulted in files too large for this platform. I then uploaded the file using the little video camera icon (insert video) and uploading the file.

 

[Trent Watts]

It's an iPhone video. I had to export the video and down rez from 4K to 720. Both 4K and 1080 exports resulted in files too large for this platform. I then uploaded the file using the little video camera icon (insert video) and uploading the file.

OK.. The file size has always been an issue for me so I'll try downsizing. Thanks for the tip. I'm such a newby with video I just fly by the seat of my pants. Appreciate your time Bob.

 

[JimFox]

Hey Bob! I turned up the volume! Wow... those guys are loud. A very nice video by the way.