Monday, February 21, 2011

Whooping Cranes

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We finally stopped by the International Crane Foundation last fall. I was surprised to find one of those painted buffalos that I had chased over Montana, there too.

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The fly is almost as big as the whooping crane - beware! :) Let's go see the real cranes. . .

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As you can see, we had a beautiful day when we visited!

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They have other cranes there too. This fellow was curious about me too.

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I loved the flies/gnats/whatever they stirred up, glittering in the sunlight.

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Such pretty eyes. :)

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I got too many photos of them blinking. I think their veiny lids look a little creepy.
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14 comments:

  1. Angie WillisFebruary 21, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    That closed eye looks just like a marble. And the decoration on top of the beak of the curious crane reminded me of embroidered French Knots.

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  2. ColleenFebruary 22, 2011 at 12:21 AM

    Great pictures! I love the reflections and the one with the gnats in the sunlight. Who knew that gnats could be so pretty!?

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  3. TammyFebruary 22, 2011 at 1:04 AM

    How cool....I really love the ones of the cranes in the water, the reflections are incredible! Beautiful birds and beautiful images!

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  4. CountryDreamingFebruary 22, 2011 at 1:30 AM

    Absolutely stellar wildlife photography! Definitely a day to remember.

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  5. The Garden BellFebruary 22, 2011 at 2:38 AM

    Was that you? We visited there last summer while up in the Dells. The Butterfly/Moth on my sidebar was taken there. Great pictures. Looks like more birds were out to play when you were there.

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  6. kayeFebruary 22, 2011 at 4:23 AM

    that buffalo is so cool and the cranes are beautiful.

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  7. texwisgirlFebruary 22, 2011 at 5:02 AM

    Their see-thru nostrils in their beaks is a bit weird too. But lovely shots!!!

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  8. Misty DawnFebruary 22, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    You truly take some spectacular photographs!

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  9. PamelaFebruary 22, 2011 at 10:46 AM

    i have never seen one!

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  10. pattyFebruary 22, 2011 at 11:08 AM

    great captures... i love the water reflecting on the crane's chest and the little gnats/flies & bokeh, too... i found my way here following your macro monday button... i'll be joining next week. i also host a manual mode link-up on wednesday, if you would be interested in joining! nice to find you.

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  11. Christina, SwedenFebruary 22, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    birds reflecting in wateris a nice sight. artistic buffalos even though it's not exactly of my liking....also interesting to se the holes in their beeks

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  12. JeannePFebruary 22, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    Amazing shots Lisa! They do have cool looking eyes!

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  13. SnowcatcherFebruary 23, 2011 at 3:59 AM

    Boy have you ever got me excited now! Our annual crane festival is just a couple of weeks away. These portraits are stunning. I have never been able to get that close!

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  14. MargaretFebruary 25, 2011 at 6:22 AM

    I love the close up of the third one up. Wonderful

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