Sandhill Crane ... or not by aecasey

Sandhill Crane ... or not

Not ... it's a ring-necked pheasant, which has been a bucket list shot for me, but not what I wanted today. There are a few thousand Sandhill Cranes that have stopped over at Lake Alice and Winters Creek Lake in the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge. We drove out and there they were! About half a mile in, right on the lake shore, where there was no road access and the grounds were closed to public entry. So frustrating! I went once, hoping they would shift to a nearby field. I went twice, and I went yet again, sure that third time would be the charm. It was not. They lingered by the lake, hopping about and calling to each other. Tantalizingly close yet so far away.

So, here is a male pheasant. He and another fellow were getting ready for a bit of a scuffle, but our interruption sent them in different directions. I shouldn't complain ... he's quite beautiful in the late afternoon sunlight. Still, I would really like to see those cranes up close. I might have to head back down there before they continue their migration north.
Beautiful shot...great narrative
March 21st, 2018  
superb sharp focus and great dof
March 21st, 2018  
superb shot, great focus and sharpness
March 21st, 2018  
Lovely capture! Great colours on pheasants!
March 21st, 2018  
Beautiful! Sharp and colorful!
March 21st, 2018  
Kas
Nice catch! Quite a magnificent bird.
March 21st, 2018  
Lee
Beautifully captured detail and colour.
March 21st, 2018  
I would be tickled pink to get such a great shot of this pheasant April! Wish you luck with your next outing 😉
March 21st, 2018  
Great details and light, fabulous image
March 21st, 2018  
Fantastic shot Fav
March 21st, 2018  
Excellent photo! So clear and sharp
March 22nd, 2018  
Well caught.
March 22nd, 2018  
Lovely. We have lots of these in Scotland.
March 22nd, 2018  
Wonderful would love to capture one
March 22nd, 2018  
Fab capture
March 22nd, 2018  
This is a beautiful capture.
March 22nd, 2018  
Awesome picture.
March 22nd, 2018  
wildlife just don't cooperate, do they? beautiful colors. At least you got this guy!
March 23rd, 2018  
What beautiful colours.
March 24th, 2018  
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