Kip’s Comments - May 6, 2025 — LadagePhotography.com

Empty Nest and Much More

Sandhill Crane Nest with Eggs - image 963207

Some time ago, as in a few weeks, while out exploring mudflats, I found an active sandhill crane nest. With my first observation of the nest already having both eggs in it, I had no idea when “hatch day” might occur. My only way to track the nesting process was to check on the nest periodically. Rather than stress the birds with daily visits, I referred to my image database for possible hatch dates and began checking at that time. My estimation was accurate and the first egg hatched on this past Sunday morning. This was the view on Sunday morning.

Sandhill Crane Nest with Hatchling and Egg - image 967445

History has taught me that the second egg will hatch within a day or two of the first egg, so I checked the nest again this morning. As expected, the second egg had hatched and both sandhill crane colts and the parent birds were nowhere to be found. All I had to photograph were the remains of the sandhill crane egg shell.

Sandhil Crane Nest with Eggshell - Image 968208 — Sandhill Crane Nest with Egg Shell - Image 968208

For those wondering, the little sandhill crane colt shown above will likely not be seen again until it is nearly able or able to fly. Cranes grow fast to prepare for their fall migration. This picture was an adult sandhill crane flying over this morning. That little colt has much growing to do!

Since I checked the nest early this morning, before the sun was very high in the sky, I opted to spend more time in the “swamp” looking for other birds as I waited for the sun to climb higher in the sky for better nest photos. My patience with the gnats and remaining in place was rewarded by several worthwhile observations.