Photo: Sandhill Crane by Robin Ulery

[Donkees]

Location: Johns Lake, Winter Garden, Florida

Story Behind the Shot: For three years I’ve watched a pair of Sandhill Cranes that nest near my house, observing and photographing them from my kayak. On a blustery day this spring, I took my camera and paddled out to check on them. Two colts had finally hatched. The wind, though, made for a challenging photo shoot. There was no solid land to anchor to, and I bounced up and down, sometimes missing the birds completely. So I increased my shutter speed and ISO to compensate. Capturing this scene under those conditions felt like a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Bird Lore: Sandhill Cranes have long childhoods. The youngsters—called “colts” for their long-legged, awkward look—learn to fly after about two months, but then stay with their parents for another seven or eight months, until the following spring. When cranes are very young, like the one in this portrait, they spend much of their time in physical contact with one of their parents, nestled under a wing or among the feathers of their back.

#1 Amateur Award Winner: Robin Ulery (2021 Audubon Bird Photography Contest)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Absolutely incredible shot and deserving of the prize it got! So glad I stopped in to see it. n/t