Return of the Sandhill Cranes

March has been a wild ride, definitely entering as a lion and now leaving as a lamb. This past week I had the opportunity to be in West Richland, WA and tour a large wetland complex managed for migratory waterfowl and associated species. This time of year there is a large, and increasing, concentration of migrating Sandhill Cranes.

Historically these birds have been relatively uncommon in the area. But in recent years, with improved wetland management on this nearly 2,000 acre wetland complex, the numbers have exploded. Attracted to the seclusion of the protected site, and the remnants of corn food plots, the cranes have actually changed their migration pattern to make this site a main stopover on their way to the far north. Their raucous calls are truly strange and engaging.

I was able to capture a few shots of these magnificent birds, as well some other great looks at migrating birds. A unique find was a leucistic mallard hen - not albino, but lacking most pigments in her feathers.

Sandhill Crane in flight

Mallard pair in flight

Northern Pintail drake

Leucistic Mallard hen - sorry it's a little blurry, it was a loooong way off

Sandhill Crane-likely juvenile

Sandhill Cranes in flight

Congregation of Sandhill Cranes

Sandhill Cranes preparing to land

Sandhill Cranes pulling up to land

Tundra Swan

Spring can be overwhelming in the variety and numbers of birds suddenly appearing, and then moving on. Have your binoculars and camera with you at all times! You'll be surprised at much better you become as a birder!

                                  - Hawkeye