Grus canadensis . . .

[RJSorensen]

Sand Hill Cranes make the best sound of all of spring. That distinctive croaks call. This seems to be a pair but with family values being what they are today . . . I guess that could all change by morning. I am going to name this photograph in honor of all of you who have had to explain to the siginifant other that you have just bought 'another' new "L" lens. Can you hear her giving it to him?

I like thses birds a lot, do you have them, enjoy them as well?

20D/100-400 w/1.4 TC

[Maureen Souza]

LOL...(I am still craving an L lens).

They are amazing..... those little stick legs holding up those big 'ol bodies!! This is a great photo...the feathers are clear and love the expression on the Right Guy's face!

[RJSorensen]

I hope you get your wish Maureen . . . and don't wait too long. You don't need a whole basket full of them, but one or two can get a lot of shots. I like you are a 20D newbie and have only had my L for a month or two. I am starting to get the shots I wished my whole life I could take. This is what they say the empty nest is all about, picking up where we were last, that would be when we were twenty. If you add the 1.4 TC to the 100-400 you will have to zoom, pan and focus all at once, lol. It is not as bad as I was told and or thought. But does take a while to get used to.

[Maureen Souza]

I think I am going to get the 70-200/2.8 IS USM and let my hubby get the 100-400. I do enough family gatherings such as weddings and reunions that the smaller lens will complete what I already have. First I need to recover from buying two 20D's, and 6 lenses plus bags, CF cards and other gear just last month!! May sounds a good month for L's!! Are you reading this Skip? LOL!

[RJSorensen]

Sweet! I'll put in a word for you . . .

[Skip Souza]

RJ, I sure admire the variety of birds that you have available for your beautiful photographs. The most prevalent birds in our area are from inconsiderate drivers.
I'm reading this honey. Perhaps we should start with the 70-200 f/2.8L and the 1.4 TC and share.:rolleyes:

[thomascanty]

Interesting looking birds. Like Skip said, you do seem to have an amazing variety of birds (and other animals) in your neck of the woods.

[TammieO]

Another good one! Neat looking birds.

[MarkoPolo]

As usual, jealous of your opportunties and your skill at making them work so well. I've never seen sand hill cranes with the red heads. Is it a seasonal thing or did I mis-identify the birds I "thought" were sandhill cranes?

[RJSorensen]

I am not sure Mark . . . all of the ones that come through here have the dark deep red top. I would think that it would darken or whatever for the ongoing breeding season, but other than that I am sorry that I am not much help.

We only have them spring and summer and they are off.

[sparker1]

All the ones we see in Fl have red heads. Some stay here all the time, others just migrate here for the winter.

[boomer1959]

:D WOW :D

[Michaelmjc]

the shallow depth of field is good in this shot. Nice muted color, very nice.