Winged Migration

vandana

I went to Bitterlake National wildlife Refuge, NM this weekend in the hope of getting some bird pictures ( for the challenge, u know !). What i didn't expect was the thousands of very loud sandhill cranes , and some snow geese for some contrast all over the place. I have seen the movie 'winged migration' but didn't quite expect this !

they were there cavorting with the setting sun


they were there the next day before sunrise with the moon



as the sun rose



they flew in formation



Or all at once



It was absolutely amazing and overwhelming. i wish i had a lens better than 300mm, but still..



after all this, the challenge almost didn't matter...

Harryb

Lovely shots. It must have been a thrill to be there.

bfjr

Would have love to be there myself
IMHO I'd go with last one as far as the Challenge is concerned

vandana

thanks a lot, Harry and bfjr for looking ! I believe they are going to be around till Feb, so I hope to go there again sometime, and hope for some closer pics next time.

ginger_55

Gorgeous, jealous!

A 300 is plenty long, good gosh, I had one, now have 400, difficult to get a bunch of birds into a long lens, IMO.

Great shots!

ginger (I would increase the contrast/pop a bit.....???) (Well, something....???)

vandana

thanks a lot, Ginger! all the shots really all the way to 300mm, the cranes don't want to come close !
take care, and a happy thanksgiving to you and all dgrinners !