Sandhill Cranes In Quebec
by Philippe Henry
May 3rd, 2021
Photo 1. Sandhill cranes flying over their breeding site. CANON EOS 7D MARK II. CANON 500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x converter. 1/8000sec, f/5,6, ISO 1250.
The range of the sandhill crane species which has a global population of nearly 945,000 individuals, covers parts of Canada, the United States, Cuba, Mexico and far eastern Siberia. Six subspecies are recognized of which three are resident and non-migratory. It is on the side of Rupert Bay, south-east of James Bay, that in July 1981 was discovered the first evidence of nesting of this species in Quebec.
Photo 2 Sandhill crane standing on the nest a few days before the eggs hatch. CANON EOS 7D MARK II. CANON 500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x converter. 1/800sec f/8, ISO 400.
In the spring of 2020, I discovered that a pair of sandhill cranes was nesting on a swamp near my home. The day of this discovery a crane was already on the eggs. For several weeks I was able to observe and film the pair until the birth of the chicks which took place around May 23.
Photo 3. After the hatching of the eggs the pair continue to stay around the nest with the chicks for a few days.CANON EOS 7D MARK II. CANON 500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x converter. 1/500sec f/8, ISO 640.
After leaving the nest site, the pair began to take the babies around the swamp where they found more food to feed them.
Photo 4. June 4th 2020. The pair of sandhill cranes and 13 days old chicks at a resting site. CANON EOS 7D MARK II. CANON 500mm f/4L IS USM +1,4x converter. 1/50sec f/22, ISO 200.
On June 16, 2020, the chicks are bigger and will soon be able to accompany the adults in the surrounding fields.
Photo 5. Sandhill crane with a 25 days old chick. CANON EOS 7D MARK II. CANON 500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x converter. 1/125sec f/5,6, ISO 640
When the adults take the young to feed in the fields, they are extremely careful and watch the surroundings for a long time before moving.
Photo 6. Sandhill cranes watching the surroundings. CANON EOS 7D MARK II. CANON 500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x converter. 1/160sec f/8, ISO 640.
Photo 7. Sandhill crane watching the surroundings. CANON EOS 7D MARK II. CANON 500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x converter. 1/800sec f/8, ISO 400.
Photo 8. Sandhill cranes and 41 days old chicks walking in a prairie. CANON EOS 7D MARK II. CANON 500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x converter. 1/1250sec f/8, ISO 640.
Photo 9. Sandhill crane in flight over a farmland. CANON EOS 7D MARK II. CANON 500mm f/4L IS USM. 1/2000sec f/8, ISO 640.
Photo 10. Sandhill cranes in flight over a farmland. CANON EOS 7D MARK II. CANON 500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x converter. 1/800sec f/8, ISO 1250
As soon as the chicks are able to fly, the cranes leave the breeding sites and end up in large numbers on the farmlands where they will feed a lot before taking their flight to the areas where they will overwinter.
Photo 11. Sandhill crane in flight. CANON EOS 7D MARK II. CANON 500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x converter.
Photo 12. Sandhill cranes in flight. CANON EOS 7D MARK II. CANON 500mm f/4L IS USM +1,4x converter. 1/640sec f/8, ISO 400
During the winter of 2021 I built a few blinds to photograph the same pair of cranes on their return to the site. On April 9, 2021, I photographed them during mating.
Photo 13. Sandhill cranes pair mating. CANON EOS 7D MARK II. CANON 500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x converter. 1/800sec f/8, ISO 640.
Photo 14. Sandhill cranes pair mating. CANON EOS 7D MARK II. CANON 500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x converter. 1/800sec f/8, ISO 640.
Watch Video of Sandhill Cranes
Vimeo.com/545496827
Authors Biography & Contact Information
Bio: Philippe Henry is a photographer specialized in wildlife and conservation, a writer and a filmmaker. He is based in La Mauricie, in Quebec. He is currently working on a new film project -QUÉBEC, SOUFFLE SAUVAGE which will be available in spring 2022. You can follow his photography on his facebook page. Photo of Philippe by Veronique Amiard.
New Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Philippe-Henry-114762543620456
E-mail: philippe_henry@hotmail.com
Website: www.philippe-henry.com
Phone number: 1 819 532 1147