Kevin Sims, boat captain of the Jack Flash took this interesting series of photos of a pair of Whooping Cranes with their colt. He also wrote his interpretation of their actions. So, we invite you to scroll down to view the photos and Kevin’s description of their actions. All the photos and descriptions are by Kevin:
Long story but a very unique experience today while observing Mom, Dad, and Junior searching for blue crab.
The Colt was frantically whistling at Dad for a bite or two of crab but Dad was going to have the crab all to himself.
This is where the story get unique. Mom, knowing that Dad would not share, rapidly went on the hunt. She was unable to find any crab. She did however find a live Shrimp.
She caught and then carried this Shrimp about 75 yards to where Junior was waiting by Dad.
She gave Junior the Shrimp which he ate and then they both turned their backs to dad and continued to feed away from him.
I always see Mom and Junior feeding together. But I have not seen Mom carry food that far before. She also seemed to know that he was interfering with Dad and was desperate to find something to get junior away from him.
Meanwhile, at another area of the refuge.
Today I was so focused on the two cranes in front of me that I missed the approach of these eight. They flew right over head and in front of my customers. The man on the top deck was eye level with them. By the time I retrieved my camera this was the best I could do. There was one set of twins in this group.
You have heard the phrase “Low and Slow”. Well there was nothing slow about this. While getting the shot of the 8 landing, a very aggressive Whooper flew in and chased off the two I was previously watching. Happened so fast this was the only shot I got.
Whew that was a long story for me. I hope you enjoy it. ~Kevin
Kevin sends us many excellent photos and we appreciate them as do many of you. Friends of the Wild Whoopers considers Kevin as “FOTWW’s honorary roving reporter”. Thanks Kevin.
***** FOTWW’s mission is to help preserve and protect the Aransas/Wood Buffalo
population of wild whooping cranes and their habitat. *****
Friends of the Wild Whoopers is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.
