Sandhill Cranes and Sunflowers

I was talking on the cell phone, while snapping these shots of a large gathering of Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis pratensis). The area appears to be a vast sawgrass prarie. . . Appearances are deceiving. This swamp is bordered by one of Florida's busiest roads (I-4). Cars were racing back and forth behind me. . . and atop the photo was a second 5-lane highway bisecting the swamp. I conveniently cropped out those features.



Due to talking on phone while creating these photos. . .some of them are a bit askew and the color is off. I used some software to straighten this one. . .of more cranes joining the group (top right). They run across the top of the grass on landing. . .much like a human in a parachute would do.



Each crane stands about 4 feet tall and has a 10' wingspan. I was standing atop a berm which altered the appearance of size of these cranes. Looking from above they don't appear lifesize. The cranes who do not have a red head are juveniles.



Another shot of some of the sunflowers in bloom today.