Kip’s Comments - May 7, 2023 — LadagePhotography.com

Photographed in the Fog

Yesterday my grandson and I paddled my canoe and looked for wildlife. One species we found was the sandhill crane. As we watched the crane from our canoe, I noticed one of the pair did not move too far away, giving me the idea that maybe there was a nest nearby. I thought about that sighting and wondered.

This morning, during several hours of intense fog, I paddled out to try to find the nest - assuming my thoughts from last night were correct. Conditions were perfect for the search - the vegetation was quiet as were the geese due to their limited vision. I was moving around unseen until I was very close.

After paddling to the general area where we saw the adult birds yesterday, I again watched them watching me, like yesterday - leading me to believe I was near a nest. By standing up in my canoe I was able to find not only the nest, but two sandhill crane hatchlings! I shot a few pictures and moved away, satisfied knowing we had at least one successful nesting of sandhill cranes this year.

Sandhill Crane in Flight in Fog - Image 809667

Sandhill Crane Hatchlings - Image 809499

This close-up view (long lens) shows the egg tooth used to open the shell - likely within the past day or so.

I believe the colt on the left is the older bird, probably by one day. I watched it walk down into the water and then circle the nest in the water, finally rejoining the other bird in the nest that was not very coordinated.