I was visiting my friend in Deland, Florida when a group of Sandhill Cranes walked right down the street in front of her house. They are so plentiful in that area that her development even put a sign stating "Sandhill Crane Crossing" at the side of the main entry road.
I have seen one from so close. Your picture shows the elegance but also the wing muscle power of the bird. The feather tones variations are very nice too.
