More often than not, when wildlife encounters man it runs. After all, we have given good reason to a lot of species on our planet to run away from us, good reasons for a lack of trust. At other times, if not running, there is some type of ‘conflict.’ It is can be highly frustrating for a wildlife photographer in trying to overcome that perception. Our species already has a bad rap. So it is particularly rewarding when you can break down some barriers between species and genuinely experience trust.
Such is the case here with this nesting Sandhill crane, it’s 1 day old chick, and soon to be hatched second one. I don’t think Sandhills in general in Michigan are all that approachable. Generally they tend to keep their distance, they might occasionally tolerate a car driving by. Particularly with nesting birds, and any animal with young, they need to be given a lot of respect and space. With this particular pair, they have become quite acclimated to people, and fortunately that hasn’t turned into a bad thing. There aren’t many predators here, and for many years now, they have shown they have a nesting area they like. They are tolerant of walkers of the nature trails near this wetland, and will in fact walk within a few feet of on-lookers when going off into the woods to gather food.
Certainly nature photographers cherish moments and opportunities like this. But we also have an obligation not to assume too much. It is a gift to be invited into their lives with trust – a gift deserving of appreciation and respect.
Mark: I find your philosophy, and your photography, to be much like my own; it is comforting to share your visions. As for the bird nesting, I found intimate access to nesting egrets and herons at a rookery in St. Augustine – and I did not get a ladder to get close. Many of these shots were so compeling that I did an e-book on The Magnificent Egret to show others the marvel of these creatures. It is available at http://www.egretbook.info. You will find that the book is an environmental statement as well as text and photos that express my admiration for these four endangered types of Egrets in North America. Keep on with your work!!!!
I wouldn’t know what to do with someone like that, or understand how people can separate the respect from the pursuit of the image. But they are out there unfortunately.
a wonderful moment- and what makes it even more special to me is knowing the RESPECT you have for this pair of cranes.. not all do. Recently someone posted an image of a Great Horned Owl chick on a photography forum and the jerk had climbed UP to the nest on a ladder and flashed it from 2 feet away. I was so upset I couldn’t trust myself to respond.. and what upset me even more was all the positive comments he received. In my mind, he deserved mama owl dive bombing his head a few times. Thank goodness a few of us have ethics for way too many do not. We have cranes nesting on property near us, but I’ve never gone out there.. theyre not used to ppl. like this pair is.. and I’d feel horrible if I caused them any undo stress, so I’m content to listen to them.. my most memorable moments have been spent just enjoying the company of birds without a camera in my hands, for it truly is an honor to share space with them. Keep spreading the good word.
Diane, Paul, Jimmy, and Wren, thank you!
Thalia, thanks for sharing the tiger story. I am not surprised unfortunately. For all the caring we are capable of for non-human species, we certainly show an equal amount if not greater disrespect. I guess some of our species is a bit more evolved than the rest.
Beautiful picture, Mark! It is so difficult to get close to birds, let alone their nests. What you say about humans being responsible for the animals’ mistrust is absolutely true. I have noticed in Indian jungles, where tigers have got used to the presence of tourists, so go about their routines without worrying too much. It’s such a privilege to have tigers around us, but what do people do? They start shouting at tigers, booing and howling and behaving horribly.The forest guards have a tough time maintaining discipline on safaris. You should see the disgusted look the tigers throw at the tourists. It’s as though to say, “I’m more civilised than you guys”.
Well said, Mark. This image is fabulous. I think to just have been in the presence of this would have been enough for me, let alone bringing back a beautiful, tender image.
Wren – I was approximately 60 feet away and using a 500mm lens with teleconverters. (this is also cropped just slightly, maybe 10%) The cranes nested in a pond/wetland area, and the edgeline of the bordering woods was about 50-60 feet from the nest.
Lovely, tender pic.
Mark, you always have great photos, but this one is truly special. Wow!
How close were you when you took this?
I also agree…very sweet photo.
I couldn’t agree more, Mark. It is indeed a special feeling to be trusted by other than our own species, for the reasons that you mentioned before. This is a wonderful and tender moment that you’ve caught here!