Sandhill Cranes – Courtship Dance on a Cranberry Bog

The cranes and herons have returned to southern Wisconsin. Hundreds of sandhill cranes have been spotted near Whitewater, and great blue herons are now building and repairing nests at a rookery near Fort Atkinson. In celebration of their return, and the advent of spring, I am posting a remarkable set of photographs taken by my friend, Georgia Kestol-Bauer. Taken several years ago, these photos capture … Continue reading Sandhill Cranes – Courtship Dance on a Cranberry Bog

Charles CottleApril 13, 2013December 17, 20211 Comment

Marsh grass foreground, tall trees with nests in the background

Nature, Photo Galleries, Video

Heron Chicks Trying Out Their Wings

Chicks at the local heron rookery are looking more and more like adults, but they still lack adult plumage as well as the ability to fly. Just like the chicks, the grass in the approach to the nesting area is growing rapidly. In the last week it has grown another foot and is now over six feet high in many places. I spent two hours … Continue reading Heron Chicks Trying Out Their Wings

Charles CottleJune 10, 2012April 9, 20161 Comment

Heron chick in nest with parent standing.

Nature, Photo Galleries

Heron Chicks at the Rookery

Out at the local heron rookery lots of new families are busy with little ones. Here are two photos of heron chicks that were taken in the last week. Be sure to click on the photos for larger sizes. I hope you like them. (For those interested, these photos were taken with a Canon 40D using a Sigma 50-500 mm. Effective focal length was 800 … Continue reading Heron Chicks at the Rookery

Charles CottleMay 20, 2012April 9, 2016Leave a comment