A foggy morning

I had the chance to spend the night in a small dome tent covered in camo netting last weekend right along one of the banks of the Platte River near Wood River, Nebraska and photograph the Sandhill Cranes during their stay on the sandbars. Going into this we (Dr. Bill Beachly and I) knew there was a good chance of drizzle and fog overnight which could have an affect on our photography plans. What we didn't expect was how thick the fog would get. This is a short video clip of what I woke up to in the early morning...

A Cranes Appetite

Nebraska farmers play an important role in a cranes diet. Before continuing their long journey North, the cranes stop and along the Platte River to find a good source of food which consists of corn, left on farmlands from the fall harvest, insects, worms and snails just to name a few. Most of their time is spent searching for food before flying back to the sandbars on the Platte River where they are protected from predators such as coyotes and bobcats.

Sandhill Cranes

Driving West on I-80 this past weekend reminded me of my childhood when our family used to drive up to Six Flags in California - I couldn't wait to get there! The feeling that makes your heart race and the anxiety of wanting to be there, right now, came the night before my trip to see the cranes.
Finally, the migration has started and visitors from all over the country flock in to experience this phenomenon. I compare it to the great migrations of the Wildebeests in Africa and the Emperor penguins of Antartica. Thousands upon thousands make their way North towards the Platte River in Nebraska, filling the skies with the sound of their well known calls. Although, this is not their final destination.
Today I had the chance to sit on the bank of the Platte River and watch them as they started out their day.
Check out the video by clicking this link: Sandhill Cranes in Nebraska