The Cranes flew over the Moon
by Elizabeth Winter
Title
The Cranes flew over the Moon
Artist
Elizabeth Winter
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
It reaches a crescendo in early spring. An overwhelming cacophony of sight and sound. Millions of birds on the wing�including 80 percent of the world�s population of sandhill cranes�in throngs that can darken the sky.
There is no question: The arrival of the cranes on Nebraska�s Platte River�and the millions of other migratory birds that visit each spring�is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on the continent. Discover how you can experience this awe-inspiring scene when the birds return to central Nebraska.
ach spring, more than 80 percent of the world�s population of sandhill cranes converge on Nebraska�s Platte River Valley. Along with them come millions of migrating ducks and geese in the neighboring Rainwater Basin�covering the vast expanse of open sky with millions of flapping wings and a chorus of calls.
As they have for centuries, hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes come to the Platte River Valley each spring to rest and restore themselves. During their stop in Nebraska, cranes gain nearly 20 percent of their body weight. Depending on the weather, the cranes begin to appear in late February or early March�with the last few birds leaving in early to mid-April.
The shallow braided channels of Nebraska�s Platte River provide safe nighttime roost sites. Waste grain in crop fields provides food to build up depleted fat reserves needed for migration. Adjacent wet meadows provide critical nutrients and secluded loafing areas for rest, bathing and courting.
Uploaded
April 7th, 2015
Statistics
Viewed 750 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 03/06/2024 at 2:52 PM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet
Comments (58)
Morris Finkelstein
Stunning flight photograph of a flock of Sandhill Cranes, with great timing, perspective, and composition, Elizabeth! F/L
Ann Horn
What an amazing image, Elizabeth! A flight of a large number of those big birds must a noisy affair, as well as quite a sight! f/l
ANA MARIA EDULESCU
Exquisite and so beautiful photo, Elizabeth ! Such wonderful feeling of freedom.... f,l