The Whooping Crane (Grus americana) is one of the best known of America's birds. The species, critically endangered and numbering only about 185 individuals in the wild population, breeds only at Wood Buffalo National Park in remote Alberta, Canada. The species winters along the central Gulf Coast of Texas, primarily at Aransas NWR in Aransas County. Standing more than four feet tall, this species is sought by birders and naturalists on its wintering grounds. While distant views of the bird may be obtained from an observation tower at Aransas NWR, most close observations are from a boat along the intercostal canal that runs through Aransas refuge. I had seen Whoopers on many occasions but had never succeeded in getting good photos of the species until recently. In February, 2001, some friends and I were lucky enough to have a pair of birds that actually approached our boat as if in curiosity and allowed me to take lots of photos. The photos on this page were all taken on that occasion with a Canon EOS 3 and 500mm F/4 L IS lens with either a 1.4X or 2X extender on Fuji Velvia. The camera and lens were mounted on a Gitzo tripod which was simply set up on the deck of the boat.


The bird above has grabbed a small crab and is tossing it around before eating it.

The Whooping Cranes in the next 10 images on the left were all digital captures with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and an EF 600mm F/4 l IS lens in Aransas Co., Texas, in March, 2008.