Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • FA L L 2 0 1 6 38 In a nearby field, hundreds more of these birds qui- etly pecked until some adrenaline rush lifted them from the earth in pairs or groups with a wingspan display of seven feet and legs two feet long. ey hurtled upwards into the air with six-foot leaps like graceful ballerinas, yet undeniable aggression. Don't be fooled by these long-beaked birds, who will spread their wings in de- fense of territorial mating and protection of their chicks. eir long beaks have been known to pierce more than just a screened window. For the next three weeks in late September and early October, I drove to the stubble fields on route 87 towards Wilsall, arriving by 8 a.m. when the cranes and fields were lit by early morning, gold light. I armed my- self with my giant 500mm lens and tripod. But before I approached, I took notes as to my position with the birds according to the sun. I wanted it at my backside so the crane bodies were lit and well defined against the golden wheat fields with no shadows as they started to perform. Once I established my location, I slowly walked into the open field, after the farmer's permission, to set up on the cranes. ey were unperturbed by my presence until I reached the 40-meter mark which then seemed to intrude upon their territorial field. Adults and juveniles uncoiled upwards with agile, spiraling movements showing off their nimble bod- ies. In kick boxing style, they unleashed lethal jabs with their clawed feet while needle-sharp beaks pecked at opponents. Most often, their jabs and pecks didn't make contact so frustration was taken out on bits of turf and twigs which were snatched and thrown in the air. eir amazing acrobatics challenged my quick finger and eye in capturing their displays. Wings unfolded and flapped open and closed as their bodies twisted with heads look- ing back in classic ballet poses. Bowing with beaks agape and then leaping was the norm for two or more birds but for only seconds at a time. Raucous clucking between a pair was a sign that they were about to leap forth. Each morning shoot lasted only about an hour. Once I started my forward progression, the flock moved towards the end of the gold grain field. Birds contin- ued to land and take off in flight but after an hour, the edge of the field was reached and the cranes had now approached a scrubby, muted green grassy area which didn't show off the crane colors. Next day, I would start again and hope for another surprise for my morn- ing shoot. Fog was so thick one morning, I needed high-powered headlights. Once, I arrived, the cranes In kick-boxing style, the Cranes unleash jabs with their clawed feet while needle-sharp beaks peck opponents. CONTINUED

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