A California Brown Pelican engaged in "head throw" behavior. Pelicans frequently toss their heads backwards, open their beaks, and expand their gular pouch. The maneuver is most likely a means to maintain the health and elasticity of pouch skin, La Jolla, California, February 2018. Canon 5D IV, 100-400mm IS Mark II, ISO 800, 1/640 second @ F/7.1, image size 4480 x 6082 pixels.
Sandhill Crane calling in flight at Bernardo Wildlife Management Area, New Mexico January 2018. Canon 5D IV, 500mm f/4 IS + 1.4x, ISO 800, 1/3200 @ f/5.6, image size 6720 x 4480 pixels.
Just after sunset from an elevated hide, I was watching the cranes slowly fly in and gather for their nightly roost. A thirty second exposure and mosaic of sunset hues and reflections came together to create an intriguing impression of the roosting cranes. I spent every night of my visit watching and listening to the "fly in" of thousands of cranes engaged in their remarkable ancient cycle of daily life. Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis) at Bernardo Wildlife Management Area, New Mexico, January 2018. Canon 5D IV, 500mm f/4 IS, ISO 320, 30 seconds @ f/32, image size 6741 x 3124 pixels.
