Woody's Hermosa Luz 2025

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Sandhill Cranes weigh around 7-11 pounds, so they can easily break through thin ice on the water. They walk carefully with their wings out for balance, and are careful to avoid sliding. In the final shot, the crane was running to get speed for takeoff and broke through the ice, sending the bird a little off balance, but those strong wings simply muscled the bird into the air, no problem.

 

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I'm still working on New Mexico pictures, but here's one from near home yesterday. Northern Shoveler aerobatics.

 

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When the light hits a Bufflehead drake just right...

 

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Great crane photos!

 

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A blue morph Snow Goose landing with a few hundred of his friends.

 

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Like walking through a 7-11 Slurpee...

 

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Notice anything missing? I am surprised at how often I see ducks with just one leg. I assume some predator grabs them by the leg, but the duck gets away. This Northern Shoveler hen seems to be quite healthy and getting along okay.