Cranes, herons, and vultures were all seen when Peter McIver lead the West Kootenay Naturalists to the marshes around Leach Lake. In this final posting about the jaunt, the Great Blue Heron will be ignored—I see and photograph it regularly along the West Arm.
However, the Turkey Vulture is only rarely seen on the portion of Kootenay Lake where I live, and (so far) the Sandhill Crane, never.
Turkey Vultures favour the fields and marshes at both ends of the Main Lake where they can more easily spot carrion. Sandhill Cranes, although common at the Coast, had been rare here until recently. Indeed, the first local breeding record was made only three years ago. Many cranes were seen at a great distance; shown are a couple nearby.
A Turkey Vulture soars over the open country south of Kootenay Lake.
Sandhill Cranes wander through the marshland…
and take flight.
Alistair, I am awed by the detail in your photography. Two questions. What kind of a camera do you use to take these amazing photos? Where in the marsh did you see the Sandhill Cranes?
Peter Mathieson wrote an entire book about Cranes. They sound like amazing birds.
Herb, I will write you about this.