It’s the time of year again when Sandhill cranes gather in large flocks to begin their migration for the winter. It’s a scene that is always magnificent with cranes filling the sky while calling out to each other as they locate their perfect spot to spend a night. Thousands of these pre-historic birds gather for several weeks during the fall to gorge on area corn fields in preparation for the journey south. It’s an event amazing to witness and one that I try to participate in every year and thankfully had an afternoon, although last minute, to check out their return from the local fields to their roosting place.

I arrived as the sun was nearing the horizon requiring me to hurry as it’s almost a 2 mile hike to where I was headed. The cranes were already heading back and as I got closer I could hear their unmistakable calls going back and forth. Finally coming into view of the wetland area I could begin seeing flocks of cranes already landed with more overhead coming in. I still had almost a mile to go and continued on my brisk pace stopping occasionally to enjoy these birds as they flew by. Finally I arrived at the spot I had scouted out a few years back and took out the camera. I wanted to set it on my tripod but didn’t give myself enough time to set it up without spooking a lot of cranes so my photos required hand holding into the decreasing light. Even if it didn’t turn out as desired, I had a great time and enjoyed watching as these birds gliding against the setting sun while listening to their familiar sounds.

With darkness filling the landscape I returned back to my car ready to call it a night. Arriving to the area I had parked, I was greeted by a couple of DNR officers inquiring about my activities. It was hunting season and they were looking for my license had I been out participating. I quickly showed my weapon of choice on this night – my camera, and was dismissed to head out with little more said. Another fun hunt for pictures on a nice fall day.