Sunset on the Sandias with cranes in the foreground from Southbend.
Just after sunrise one of the cranes made quite a show of dancing for another crane. There are 21 photos in the sequence with three intermissions. At the end of the post, I included an animated GIF that shows the crane dance in motion.
Quarter moon at sunset.
Daddy Owl slept through the show.
Off Center & Not Even 
The cranes never cease to amaze. I appreciate the gif too. 🙂
Thanks, Susan.
Absolutely fantastic, Tim. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Lois.
These are great! Where are they?
Thanks, Cindy. They are in the Rio Grande behind were we live in Corrales, NM.
Those are beautiful photos of Sandias, cranes, owl and sky. The cranes put on a great show!
Thanks, Lavinia.
I love how the one that is being danced “to” is just standing there, like.. show me what you got! And don’t stop… I’m not sure yet whether you will pass muster!
Hi Dale. The one crane is pretty indifferent. Often they have spats and both cranes are engaged. This one only one was engaged in trying to get the other one’s attention, and seemingly not being all that successful from our point-of-view.
Fantastic captures of the cranes!
Thanks, Tiffany.
Spiffing show, Tim! Thanks.
Thanks, Inchcock.
Lucky you, watching these birds plus capturing them so clear in beautiful light.
Thanks, Puzzleblume
They are amazing. Must be wonderful to watch first hand.
It’s so much fun to watch their antics. Thanks, Shey.
It must be. They are pretty special
Hey Daddy Owl, wake up! You’re missing the show!!! Great job capturing it… all included, moon, cranes, D.Owl and the Sandias.
Thanks, Marina. It’s all old hap to D. Owl.
😉
I love those dancing cranes. I saw the owl was stil on his post 🙂
Thanks, Picpholio.
Awesome photos! I wonder if they dance just for the joy of it. I’ve noticed groups of ducks doing intricate diving and quacking rituals outside mating season and wondered if they’re just to maintain dominance or just playing around. Something I must look into…
Thanks, Mary Jo. I think wild animals play to play. I don’t think all their playful interactions are mating rituals.
I agree! What do they know about science? 🙂
What does science really know what goes on in birds’ brains?
Ciao Timothy
Ciao, Simona.
No dancing birds here, but haven’t seen any Canadian geese dance ever.
Thanks, David.
Luv the GIF! So much fun watching them dance. Is it a mating thing?
Anyway, the dance GIF went perfect to some Jimmy Reed I was listening to.
The Canada Geese don’t seem very impressed. I’ll bet they think they are better dancers than the crane.
Hi Resa. I think they are playing. I don’t know when they mate. The ducks and geese pay little attention until the cranes start stepping on them.
Hahaha!
And I thought turkeys put on a good dance… Tim all these shots are so clear and perfectly lit. It’s amazing to think that you took them so close together.
That was quite a dance marathon. Even the geese look impressed. Well done to Mr. Crane. Hugs on the wing!
Thanks, Teagan. The cranes do like to dance.
So pretty….
I dont dont know why I attempt to pick a fave…
I like the 6th pic…the moon pic and almost all the crane pics as my favourites…..lol….I should stop picking next time….they’re all so good Tim…🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩💐💐💐💐
Hi Ruelha. In a series like this it’s hard to pick a favorite unless one really stands out to you.
True😅😅😅😅😅😅
What a fabulous courting dance — well caught!
Fabulous 👏👏👏
i’ll give you the sky, i’ll give you the moon . . .
crane says. owl is not impressed.
Thanks, Holly.