Sandhill Crane (left, smaller, and closer to me) follows Whooping Crane in for landing .. Whooper wasn't having it!

[Bo Zarts]

The Whooping Crane initiated a wave-off at about 10 feet off the ground, and the whole gaggle (4 Whoopers and 4 Sandhills) executed a clumsy go-around. The lead Whooping Crane was not happy with the smaller Sandhills tagging along at suppertime. Words were exchanged. Harsh words.

Aransas NWR - Texas Coast - February 2026

©2026 Bo Zarts Studio

[Clouds Passing]

1. I love the sound of a flock of Sandhill Cranes. Great shot Bo!

[3catwoman3]

3. To me, they sound like rusty hinges on an ancient cast iron gate...

...in serious need of being oiled.

In the pediatric office from which I retired, we had a back room where we did our charting. It had floor to ceiling windows that looked out on the very pastoral surroundings, and a private door for employees. Sandhill cranes hung out in the surrounding area, and often came quite close to the windows. When they timed it right, sometimes our little patients could see them as the staff nurses were escorting them to the exam rooms. The cranes were taller than many of the kiddies.

One day, during a lunch break, I thought someone was knocking on the private door. When I looked up, it was one of the sandhill cranes tapping on a window with its bill.

[SheltieLover]

2. Excellent pix, Bo!

Ty for sharing with us!

[mike_c]

4. outstanding!

Great photo!