GregWCIL Loc: Illinois

These were taken a month ago on a photography boat trip out of Rockport, TX. The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and nearby areas of the Texas gulf coast are home to most of the wintering endangered Whooping Cranes in the U.S. Somewhere I read there are only 300-400 in existence. We were lucky enough to see 36 of them that day.
Our trip started well before sunrise and we found our first pair of Whoopers in the pre-dawn glow. We were just sitting and watching them when they suddenly erupted into a crazy mating dance the went for a few minutes. Our guide said he'd rarely seen one last so long. I apologize for the noise in the photos but I was shooting at high ISO and on top of that had to bring up the back-lit birds in post-processing.

Come fly with me


Jumping for joy




Yes, Rhett, I will marry you

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I was hoping for a "yes," so I'm delighted to see your last shot Engaging series, Greg!

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Great opportunity!

GregWCIL Loc: Illinois

Thanks Linda and Dave. Of course once the sun came up and we had better light none of the Whoopers were in a romantic mood. But you take what you get with wildlife.

Swamp-Cork Loc: Lanexa, Virginia

Very nice set Greg and know it must have been quite a sight to see and hear these beautiful birds, and can remember many years ago viewing them on PBS Nature, and part of it was filmed at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. It was fantastic and I probably still have an old Beta recording somewhere! Thanks, and take care.

bajadreamer Loc: Baja California Sur

Absolutely agree. You made the most of tough conditions. These are nice images that certainly tell a story and show some beautiful birds.

Penny MG Loc: Fresno, Texas

Very nice! It was nice of them to perform for you! Love the photos!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Very nice action set of these elusive birds ! - Thanks for sharing !