NikonGear'23

Images => Nature, Flora, Fauna & Landscapes => Topic started by: Randy Stout on January 19, 2018, 19:01:56

Title: Orange Sandhill Crane
Post by: Randy Stout on January 19, 2018, 19:01:56

This fine fellow was captured several years ago visiting a small vernal pond in the Michigan woods.  A good friend of mine had worked this pond over the years, and suggested I try it out with him.

I dragged my camouflaged sled blind through the woods and sat it near the waters edge, well before sunrise, and waited.  We were primarily there for wood ducks, but were really pleased when this fellow strolled in.  Quite unexpected at that location.

Their base plumage is a slate gray, but they preen their feathers with mud, and if it contains iron, they get this rusty/orange color.

Nikon D4  600VR  1/320s ISO 1600, f/7.1

Thoughts and comments always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

Title: Re: Orange Sandhill Crane
Post by: bobfriedman on January 19, 2018, 22:32:36

sweet shot... quite good luck..

Title: Re: Orange Sandhill Crane
Post by: armando_m on January 19, 2018, 23:09:44

Fantastic contrast vs the blue background

Title: Re: Orange Sandhill Crane
Post by: John Geerts on January 20, 2018, 00:22:18

Great catch.  (and story)  Lovely colour contrast.

Title: Re: Orange Sandhill Crane
Post by: Akira on January 20, 2018, 00:34:35

Beautiful capture, as always, Randy!  Love the color (especially the contrast between the orange crane and the blue-ish background) and the lighting (from the rising sun?).

Title: Re: Orange Sandhill Crane
Post by: Randy Stout on January 20, 2018, 03:10:48

Thanks everyone:

Akira - it was indeed an early, rising sun when I took the picture.  The bird was in a little clearing around the pond, and the sun poked through the trees, but left the background subdued.

Randy

Title: Re: Orange Sandhill Crane
Post by: Akira on January 20, 2018, 03:19:01

Thank you for the details.  The crane is indeed nicely spotlighted.

Title: Re: Orange Sandhill Crane
Post by: Fons Baerken on January 20, 2018, 11:07:37

Sweet light, great image, everything right.