Monday, February 27, 2017

Winter's Final Grasp


Every year, I make my winter trek down to Willcox or the Whitewater Draw and say good-bye to the Sandhill Cranes and Chestnut-collared Longspurs.  For some, this experience is comparable to a holiday or birthday celebration.


It's also my way of saying good-bye to winter.  It's hard to let go of the colder days knowing that those unbearable hotter ones are only a few months away. I now can sense when the migration is beginning to move. I can't explain it.  I can't plan it. I just know.  

I leave my car and listen carefully to the wind and focus on longspur titters in the grass

So I moved quickly on my day off to see the cranes one last time.  When I arrived, they swirled high above me.  Then......


......they began their descent all around me. Again, I can feel their patterns.  I can't plan it.  I just know the moment when they are going to do it.


  I am in sync with certain species while with others, I still have a long ways to go.


Their departure marks the end of winter and the beginning of our spring migration.  I am excited about what's to come, but I will miss these cold and windy days.  These are the days when I can play outside all day long and just enjoy the weather.


As we finish up with the AZ winter series over the next couple weeks, we'll begin a new chapter of exploration.  Stay tuned for more.....



13 comments:

  1. A beautiful post, exceptional pictures and video. .Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  2. View of flying birds and their number awakens emotions and I really like it. Regards.

    ReplyDelete
  3. You are the Sandhill Crane WHISPERER, Chris.... They hear you coming --and wait until you see them before leaving...... Reminds me of a time back in 1985 when my middle brother died. He had cancer and was in the hospital... II was on the way to see him ---and prayed that he'd live until I got there... WELL--I made it, and he said he was waiting on me. He died that night... BUT---I somehow knew that he heard me and was waiting....

    Hugs,
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. THAT is a beautiful story Betsy! Thanks for sharing. Those kinds of moments are what I would describe as deeply spiritual AND I feel that presence when I'm out in the field.

      Delete
  4. As always, beautiful photos. I have seen an abundance of bald eagles Lately on our drive to galena along the kishwaukee and rock rivers. Actually saw one eating a dead deer along 20. Yes the season is moving on

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Suz:)I believe it! The eagles during the winter love to prey on various things. I saw one grab a gull in Wisconsin while on break! Hope you are doing well.....spring is here:)Although my family just had snow!

      Delete
  5. I am so envious of your wonderful flight shots. The cranes in the first photo look like they are on parade. Maybe celebrating the end of their season there. It seems to be that you are always in tune with your surroundings and I greatly appreciate your sharing that with us mere mortals. This, seriously, is a beautiful post -- words and pictures. Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and reading as always. Hope you are having a wonderful week!

      Delete
  6. A wonderful post and photos Chris. What beautiful birds :)

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by!