Sandhill Cranes are encouraged to stay in the Rio Grande Valley through the winter by corn crops planted specifically for them and other migratory birds. State and National Wildlife officials coordinate their efforts, so that the birds and land are best cared for. Here in New Mexico, the cranes are considered something of a winter treasure by anyone who has seen them.
If one looks closely at the corn in the foreground, one can see the distinctive red patches on the heads of many sandhill cranes. The corn provides food and also good protection for the birds.
As I was photographing in this area, a motorcyclist drove by. The cranes appear to be used to cars driving by, but they were spooked by the motorcycle. In the end, I was almost grateful to the cyclist, because he gave me a chance to photograph cranes in the corn and in flight.
Sandhill cranes really are a sight to behold along the Rio Grande Valley of New Mexico in winter!
