Sandhill Crane running before take-off, Bosque del Apache, New Mexico

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, near Socorro, New Mexico, USA (November 2017)

Seen at the South Crane Pond. This image was taken during a trip organised by Natures Images and led by Chris Gomersall and Ellie Rothnie.

During the trip, the Cranes roosted overnight at the South Crane Pond. On a couple of mornings they were descended upon and surrounded by thousands of Snow Geese at daybreak. This persuaded the Cranes to move to one side then take off in dribs and drabs.

Status is classified as Least Concern. For more information on this bird species see the following links:
Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis) / Wikipedia
Sandhill Crane Antigone canadensis / Bird Forum
BirdLife International / Sandhill Crane Antigone canadensis
Cornell Lab of Ornithology / Sandhill Crane Antigone canadensis
International Crane Foundation / SANDHILL CRANE Grus canadensis

Shooting Time 06:59
Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/800
Av(Aperture Value) 4.0
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO Speed 4000

Latitude 33 51 16.8 N
Longitude 106 52 40.7 W
Altitude 1398.30m