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This page contains 65 images and composites of Sandhill Crane takeoff
sequences from Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico.
Sandhill Cranes take off very quickly, and some individual moments within that takeoff
can be quite spectacular. While it is always interesting to track an individual bird to get
a single image at a special instant, the difficulty of tracking the head of the bird makes
getting a perfect shot at a particular moment a tricky operation, and generally you take
a series of shots hoping to get clean results that include a special shot. It is very rare
to achieve more than one or two clean shots in a series as this requires perfection
in panning and other techniques. When everything comes together, the results are
a group of consecutive portfolio-grade shots in a sequence, and a large smile.
Click an image to open a larger version.
Use your back button to return to this page.
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Images in this section are in a number of different Galleries on the Photoshelter website.
The Banner below leads to the Sandhill Cranes Collection where a Gallery can be selected.
There are 5 Galleries in the Photoshelter Sandhill Cranes Collection
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Sandhill Cranes
Named for the sand hills of the Platte River area where most North American migratory
individuals gather to rest before heading to their breeding grounds in Canada and Alaska,
the Sandhill Cranes are the oldest known birds still in existence (a fossil skeleton identical in
structure to the modern Sandhill Crane was found in Nebraska and was dated to 10 million
years). This fossil is most likely from a direct ancestor to the Sandhill Crane. The oldest
fossil that is without doubt from a Sandhill Crane was dated to 2.5 million years ago,
which is 1.5 times older than the earliest remains from most living bird species.
Sandhill Cranes are large birds, 3.5 to 4.5 feet tall, with red facial skin, forehead and
crown, and gray feathers into which they sometimes preen iron-rich mud, turning them
a reddish-brown color. They are the most abundant of cranes, with a wide distribution in
North America, Cuba and Northeastern Siberia. Three migratory sub-species winter in the
southern US and northern Mexico, and three non-migratory sub-species live in Mississippi,
Cuba and Florida. The migratory species breed in the northern US, Canada and Siberia.
As many as 14,000 Sandhill Cranes winter at Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge,
feeding on the corn and alfalfa planted in the farm fields specifically for the birds.
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Sandhill Crane Sunrise Takeoff 4690
A Sandhill Crane flies above another crane who is just beginning his takeoff run, while his
colleagues evaluate his takeoff technique in the golden light of sunrise at Bosque del Apache.
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Sandhill Crane Sunrise Takeoff 4692 M
The Sandhill Crane gains speed, running across the pond while flapping his wings.
These images were taken during that five minute period when high clouds over the
horizon reflect the sunlight at just the right time to cast a golden glow onto the water.
All of the landscape (horizontal) large version images linked from the thumbnails are 1500 pixels wide.
Portrait (vertical) images are 1200 pixels tall (1290 pixels with title bar). Images designated with an “M”
in the shot number are 5:4 aspect ratio, 1500 x 1290 with a title bar, or 1500 x 1200 without a title bar.
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Sandhill Crane Sunrise Takeoff 4693 M
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Sandhill Crane Sunrise Takeoff 4694 M
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A Sandhill Crane lifts off into the golden light of sunrise at Bosque del Apache, New Mexico.
Unfortunately, the crane passed behind high grass just as he approached the moment of takeoff.
I had to stop shooting for the one second it took the crane to clear the grass. These things happen.
Sandhill Crane Sunrise Takeoff 4695
A Sandhill Crane flies away towards the farm fields at Bosque del Apache at sunrise in mid-December.
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Sandhill Crane Sunrise Takeoff SXXL
A 1500 x 693 version of the SXXL Composite (7412 x 3425) showing a six image running takeoff sequence
taken during a five minute period when clouds reflected the golden glow of a beautiful New Mexico sunrise.
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Sandhill Crane Sunrise Takeoff 4691-95 LG
A 3749 x 732 composite showing five detail crops of the takeoff sequence bathed in the golden glow of sunrise.
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Sandhill Cranes Takeoff 5772 M
Two Sandhill Cranes fly past another crane who is in the midst of a running takeoff.
The most elusive and desirable moment to capture in a running takeoff on water is the
instant both feet are out of the water, with one toe dragging the surface as shown above.
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Sandhill Cranes Takeoff 5774
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Sandhill Cranes Takeoff 5776
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As the crane in the water overcomes the drag and takes off, the two in flight pass him by.
Sandhill Cranes Takeoff 5778
Sandhill Cranes in flight just after takeoff not long after sunrise in December at Bosque del Apache.
You dance a very fine line between underexposure and overexposure when shooting cranes at sunrise.
Overexposure by as little as 1/3 stop loses detail when the highly reflective white cheek oversaturates.
If you underexpose, you risk losing detail in the black legs and the color saturation is greatly reduced.
These shots were overexposed by only 1/6 stop, and you can already see the cheeks oversaturating.
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Sandhill Cranes Morning Takeoff XXL
A 1500 x 987 version of the XXL Composite (4938 x 3250) showing the four image takeoff sequence.
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Images in this section are in a number of different Galleries on the Photoshelter website.
The Banner below leads to the Sandhill Cranes Collection where a Gallery can be selected.
There are 5 Galleries in the Photoshelter Sandhill Cranes Collection
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Sandhill Crane Takeoff Position X9348
A Sandhill Crane in the characteristic position telegraphs his intention to fly by leaning into the wind.
When Sandhill Cranes take off, they go from inaction to a burst of furious activity in a split-second.
It is nearly impossible to acquire and lock on a crane in the narrow field of view of a 500mm lens
in the very short period of time you have once you have seen a bird start to take off. Often, you
miss the first moments of the takeoff run and get a lock just before the bird flies. Fortunately,
some Cranes know this and are considerate enough to signal their intention to fly by leaning
forward into the wind to estimate wind speed and warn photographers to lock focus on them.
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Sandhill Crane Takeoff X9350
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Sandhill Crane Takeoff X9354
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Two Sandhill Cranes in a running takeoff at sunrise. The crane in front blasted past the one behind,
causing him to start his takeoff run. The first bird achieved takeoff speed earlier. The images at right
and below show the second bird using an unusual hop, step and jump technique to spring into flight.
Sandhill Crane Takeoff X9355
The moment a Sandhill Crane springs into the air after a running approach and a hop, step and jump takeoff.
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Sandhill Crane Takeoff X9356
A Sandhill Crane takes flight just after sunrise on a December morning at Bosque del Apache, New Mexico.
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Sandhill Crane Takeoff X9358
A Sandhill Crane flies out to the farm fields while Cranes and Snow Geese in the background preen.
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Sandhill Crane Takeoff X9361
A Sandhill Crane flight portrait, isolated against a background of Cranes and Snow Geese at sunrise.
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Sandhill Crane Flyout Sequence XXXL
A 1600 x 745 version of the XXXL Composite (12894 x 6000) showing the six image flyout sequence.
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Images in this section are in a number of different Galleries on the Photoshelter website.
The Banner below leads to the Sandhill Cranes Collection where a Gallery can be selected.
There are 5 Galleries in the Photoshelter Sandhill Cranes Collection
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Sandhill Crane Takeoff 4611
A lone Sandhill Crane runs through a group of Snow Geese on his way to the farm fields at Bosque del Apache.
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Sandhill Crane Takeoff 4610 M
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The Sandhill Crane dodges past the group of Snow Geese...
Sandhill Crane Takeoff 4613
... and bursts into flight just after sunrise in December.
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Sandhill Crane Takeoff 4615
A Sandhill Crane displays a superb wing position in the first full beat after takeoff from the Crane Pool.
The crane in these images had to be slightly underexposed to avoid severe overexposure of the Snow Geese.
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Sandhill Crane Takeoff X8862
You may have noticed that all of the takeoffs have gone from left to right, into the prevailing wind
which comes from the north. Here, a rare avian individualist takes off from right to left. He must have
had an early morning appointment in Truth or Consequences (a town to the south of Bosque del Apache).
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Sandhill Crane Counter-Wind Takeoff LG
A 3015 x 690 sequence showing an unusual takeoff from north to south. Prevailing winds
move from north to south, and the birds generally take off into the wind to gain additional lift.
The images in the sequence begin at the right and continue left in the direction of movement.
These were taken 45 minutes after sunrise on a clear morning (note the difference in the light).
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Images in this section are in a number of different Galleries on the Photoshelter website.
The Banner below leads to the Sandhill Cranes Collection where a Gallery can be selected.
There are 5 Galleries in the Photoshelter Sandhill Cranes Collection
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Sandhill Crane Morning Flyout 4747
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Sandhill Crane Morning Flyout 4752
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A Sandhill Crane in a running takeoff. Displayed are the 3rd, 6th, 10th, 11th and 12th shots,
and below the display images is a composite image of the entire 12 shot takeoff sequence.
Sandhill Crane Morning Flyout 4755 M
A Sandhill Crane runs on the water to gather takeoff speed and lift for its flight to the farm fields.
The crane flaps its wings with great energy, rotating its shoulders forward on the downbeat to scoop
air for more forward thrust and lift, and back on the upbeat while bending its elbows to reduce drag.
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Sandhill Crane Morning Flyout 4757 M
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Sandhill Crane Morning Flyout 4758 M
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The crane has gathered enough speed at the end of the run that it floats on the last step and wing beat...
Sandhill Crane Morning Flyout 4759
Realizing this, the crane springs into the air for its flight to the fields.
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Sandhill Crane Morning Flyout XXXL
A 1600 x 829 version of the XXXL Composite (9886 x 5125) showing the 12 image flyout sequence.
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Sandhill Crane Takeoff 5811 M
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Sandhill Crane Takeoff 5812 M
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A series of close flight portraits after a takeoff in superb light, with reflections off the water painting the wings.
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Sandhill Crane Takeoff 5813 M
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Sandhill Crane Takeoff 5814 M
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The crane drags its feet on the vertical wing beats while gathering flight speed.
Sandhill Crane Takeoff 5815 M
One last foot drag and it has enough speed to lift into the air.
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Sandhill Crane Takeoff 5816 M
A Sandhill Crane leaves the Crane Pool at Bosque del Apache for its flight to the farm fields.
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Images in this section are in a number of different Galleries on the Photoshelter website.
The Banner below leads to the Sandhill Cranes Collection where a Gallery can be selected.
There are 5 Galleries in the Photoshelter Sandhill Cranes Collection
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Sandhill Cranes Breaking Out of the Ice X3540
A Sandhill Crane breaks out of the ice while two other cranes evaluate his technique.
Some of the most comical scenes happen when the Sandhill Cranes break out of the ice,
slipping and sliding over its surface in the attempt to warm up and take off for the farm fields.
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Sandhill Crane Juvenile Ice Takeoff at Dawn X3563
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Sandhill Crane Juvenile Ice Takeoff at Dawn X3574
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A juvenile Sandhill Crane slides across the ice behind an adult in an attempt to gain its balance
and some traction to allow it to start its takeoff run. It slid around for several seconds, nearly falling.
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Sandhill Crane Juvenile Ice Takeoff at Dawn X3581
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Sandhill Crane Juvenile Ice Takeoff at Dawn X3582
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Eventually, the juvenile gains purchase on the ice and begins its takeoff run. The juvenile is so anxious to
get off of the ice that it attempts to take off before it has achieved the necessary speed, without success.
Sandhill Crane Juvenile Ice Takeoff at Dawn X3587
Back on the ice again after nearly falling on its face, the juvenile Sandhill Crane runs and flaps
while maintaining a very precarious balance, as an adult looks on, standing calmly on one leg.
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Sandhill Crane Juvenile Ice Takeoff at Dawn X3590
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Sandhill Crane Juvenile Ice Takeoff at Dawn X3591
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Finally, after two more sliding steps, the juvenile achieves takeoff speed and gratefully flies out to the fields.
Sandhill Crane Juvenile Ice Takeoff at Dawn XXXL
A 1500 x 766 version of the XXXL Composite (9886 x 5050) showing 12 images from a comical takeoff
sequence on a cold January morning, in which a juvenile attempts to achieve balance and traction on the ice.
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Images in this section are in a number of different Galleries on the Photoshelter website.
The Banner below leads to the Sandhill Cranes Collection where a Gallery can be selected.
There are 5 Galleries in the Photoshelter Sandhill Cranes Collection
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Sandhill Takeoff 4702
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Sandhill Takeoff 4703
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A flight study from the moment of takeoff. For this sequence, I will display 15 of the 16 images.
The 16 image composite of the entire flight study sequence is shown below the display images.
Sandhill Takeoff 4704
The nearly-full forward extension of the downbeat before the tips of the primary feathers bend.
Takeoff is the most energy-demanding aspect of flight, and the 8000 foot altitude at Bosque del Apache
generally requires a significant takeoff run for these large birds to generate the airflow to create enough lift.
Once they are airborne, the Sandhill Cranes flap their wings with great power, scooping air for lift and thrust.
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Sandhill Takeoff 4708 M
The end of the downbeat phase (providing most of the thrust), with the primary feathers flexing upwards.
At full extension on the downbeat, primary feathers at the wingtips bend up due to the force of air pressure.
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Sandhill Takeoff Pair SXL
The 2nd and 5th images of the sequence showing near-full extension on upbeat and downbeat.
The linked image is a 1500 x 648 version of the SXL Composite (4978 x 2150).
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Sandhill Takeoff 4709 M
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As you can see in the image below, the primary feathers at the wingtips also bend up in the center of the downbeat.
Sandhill Takeoff 4710
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Sandhill Takeoff 4711 M
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Note the elegant foot position in the image at left. This is the Sandhill Crane equivalent of extending the pinkie finger...
Sandhill Takeoff 4712
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After vertical extension of the wings on the upward beat, the crane turns the wingtips downward by flexing at
the elbow and rotates them forward to start the downward wingbeat, which scoops air for lift and acceleration.
Sandhill Takeoff 4713 M
A Sandhill Crane flies past a group of Northern Shovelers on its way to the Farm Fields at Bosque del Apache.
Note that the crane has rotated the shoulder so the secondaries at the rear of the wing face forward to gain thrust.
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Sandhill Takeoff 4714
Note the aerodynamic shape of the crane in flight.
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Sandhill Takeoff 4715
The upward flap, with wings bent at the elbow to reduce drag.
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Sandhill Takeoff 4716
The deep slots in the wingtips between the primary feathers reduce drag and wingtip vortices,
and allow the wing to spill air on the upstroke to reduce the energy required for the upward beat.
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The downward stroke of the wings gathers the air for lift and acceleration, and provides the majority of the thrust.
Sandhill Takeoff 4717
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Sandhill Takeoff 4718 M
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Once the crane is airborne and at flying speed, the high efficiency of the wing reduces the need for flapping.
Sandhill Takeoff 4720 M
A Sandhill Crane at full upward extension, showing the full panoply of underwing coverts,
the Secondary feathers at the rear of the wing, and the Primary feathers at the wingtips.
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Sandhill Crane Flight Study XXXL
A 1600 x 1068 version of the XXXL Composite (9886 x 6600) showing the 16 image Flight Study sequence.
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Images in this section are in a number of different Galleries on the Photoshelter website.
The Banner below leads to the Sandhill Cranes Collection where a Gallery can be selected.
There are 5 Galleries in the Photoshelter Sandhill Cranes Collection
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Click the Display Composite above to visit the Sandhill Cranes: Takeoffs page
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Click the Display Composite above to visit the Sandhill Cranes: Flight page
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Click the Display Composite above to visit the Sandhill Cranes: Landings page
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Click the Display Composite above to visit the Sandhill Cranes: Scenics and Assorted Images page
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Click the Display Composite above to return to the Sandhill Cranes Overview page
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