AT THE EDGES

 

The edges of the day, sunrise and sunset, often make for spectacular photography with their dramatic pinks and golds against a still dark sky.

 

 I chose a new spot for the sunrise and as I drove along East Bay, it was a spectacular view.  Gentle waves rippling the water, mist rising from the bay, and golden reflections coloring the scene.

 

 With ever lightening skies, a heavy fog bank clung to the opposite shore and I wondered if the haze would occlude the sunrise.

 

 I arrived at beautiful East Bay Park and noticed several boats moored off shore.  I was hopeful to see a bit of the sun peeking through the murk and low clouds. 

 

 The crack widened, letting more sunlight through and bathing the sky and water in orange.

 

 The sun finally rose above the fog bank.  Its brightness was so intense I had to switch from using my camera’s viewfinder to the back touchscreen.

 

 With the sunrise complete, I moved on to other photographic projects.  But the beauty and calmness of the morning stayed with me for the rest of the day.

STAGING RAMPS UP

 

In bird speak, staging refers to birds gathering together before migration.  Staging sites include abundant, predictable food resources where birds prepare to migrate south for the winter.
 

 I first saw evidence that staging was beginning when I saw this group of eight Sandhill Cranes mid-August.  

 

 Then last week I saw 30-some cranes grazing on a hillside, although I couldn’t get them all in one picture with my long lens.

 

 I’ve also seen several small crane families throughout the Kingsley farm country where I often take pictures.  Most have a juvenile getting ready for its first long migration flight.

 

 Mainly though, I return to the fields near the four-corners-ponds where my favorite crane family lives.  I love watching the juvenile as it continues to full growth.

 

 Watching the youngster master quirky crane moves always delights me.

 

 Sunday evening I caught them feeding at the edge of the cornfield.  Right away the big male came out and began loudly bugling to protest my presence.

 

 The female hung back, though, shyly remaining within the corn forest.

 

 The juvenile stayed close to its mother also.  I noticed how its feathers were becoming more gray as it aged.  I didn’t stay long, wanting them to have adequate feeding time.

 

 I drove around a while seeking other subjects and swung back by the crane field for one last look.  I found them pecking away to bulk up for their long migration flight.  I wonder if they know they’re my favorites.

 

 

COLORS ARE TURNING

 

Yes, fall is here.  Well, almost, as the autumnal equinox is at 9:03 p.m. tonight.  Fall colors are appearing too, although mostly on the ground with field grasses and crops turning gold.  Stands of trees show the bright greens of summer are fading and reds and golds are emerging in places. Lots more to come.

 

 

RING-NECKED PHEASANTS

 

I was out shooting when I came around a bend to a whole flock of pheasants.  A farmer was curbing them into a nearby field and protecting them from traffic.  As I snapped away, he told me these were one and two-year old Ring-necked Pheasants that he’d bred.  As is typical with birds, the male was the beauty with its red and blue head plumage and the unmistakable white ring around its neck.  I guessed, a bit sadly, that they’d been raised to be game birds.

A BANNER SEASON FOR HERONS

 

Over a million birds migrated through Grand Traverse County last night, according to Birdcast.  Two of them were the Great Blue and Green Herons.  I saw them often this summer in the four-corner ponds where I often take pictures and will miss them as they move to warmer climates for the winter.  Safe travels, beautiful ones!