Species profile
About this species
The Sandhill Crane is a large North American bird standing up to 1.2 metres tall, recognised by its grey plumage, red forehead patch & distinctive bugling call. It inhabits open wetlands, grasslands & agricultural fields across North America, migrating in spectacular flocks of thousands. The species is renowned for its elaborate courtship displays, which involve synchronised dancing, wing-spreading & leaping behaviours.
Sandhill Cranes favour open habitats including freshwater marshes, wet grasslands, sedge meadows & agricultural fields. During migration & winter they congregate along river sandbars & in harvested grain fields where food is plentiful.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Sandhill Crane with us in the United States.
These departures are part of our North America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
The peak season for photography is during the spring migration in February & March, particularly at staging sites along the Platte River. Dawn & dusk offer the best light, especially when cranes lift off en masse from roosting sites in shallow water.
Position yourself low to the ground to capture eye-level shots that convey the bird's impressive stature & create a more intimate composition. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1600s to freeze the motion of birds in flight or mid-dance during courtship displays. Visit staging areas such as the Platte River in Nebraska during migration to take advantage of vast flocks gathering at dawn & dusk for dramatic wide-angle or telephoto shots.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Sandhill Crane
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.