First year cranes are as big as adults but the head is browner, no red cap and paler bill. The second image is a comparison with an adult sad today so not much to say. Enjoy til tomorrow mj

Lots of cranes means that things sometimes get crowded and confrontation s are avoided. I love the underwing feather rows that are on display in this image. Enjoy til tomorrow mj.

These tiny dragonflies are a challenge because of size. But against the light adds another level of difficulty. I like his hairy legs that are illuminated by the back light. Enjoy this little critter til tomorrow mj

This crane is taking to the air and protesting at the same time. Yesterday’s images were not good due to low light from early cloud cover. But today the sun is full on and with good light the crane feather details are apparent. Enjoy til tomorrow mj

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Trumpeter swans have been in crex meadows all summer and it is inevitable that they often interact with each other. These images are certainly not prize winners but you get the idea. They do tell a natural history story. Enjoy til tomorrow mjspringett.com

Lots of crane dancing going on right now in crex meadows. This one is spreading his wings to confront the bird on the left. The light was strong but that was necessary to freeze the action. Enjoy til tomorrow Mj

These juvenile swans are adding some white feathers and pink bills are turning black. They are a technicolor wonder when viewed by sunset light. Those weeds don’t look very tasty but they are still busy pulling them up for their lunch. Enjoy til tomorrow Mj

Lots of talking and flapping going on in the marsh. The cranes are very gregarious when they gather in these large groups in crex, teaching the youngsters how to dance and calling out to those flying overhead. Yesterday blue skies were a great backdrop. Enjoy til tomorrow Mj

The Sandhills cranes have started to gather in crex meadows. They are especially concentrated on the mud flats and busy hunting snails and other muddy critters. Closeups reveal the eye closure by the nictitating membrane before he plunges his whole head into the mud. Enjoy til tomorrow Mj

Yesterday’s blue heron also posed for a portrait before he made his drastic retreat. My new camera captures the feather detail much better than any of my previous equipment..so enjoy til tomorrow Mj