Winter trip - 2 unusual Cranes

Among the thousands of birds were 2 unusual visitors. A young Demoiselle Crane, and a one-legged Siberian Crane. 

Below the Demoiselle Crane, アネハヅル

No well-defined features yet. Born last year?

Next the Siberian Crane, ソデグロヅル

There were 2 at first, but one left, while this injured bird stayed behind. It got injured a few months before in Korea, I was told. The wound has healed well and the bird is eating well, so there are not many concerns at the moment, The staff at the reserve is keeping a close eye on it. 

It's hard to keep your balance on one leg and walking is not possible. 

To move around he has to use its wings. Huge wings!

Flying is OK... but landing... 😖

Wishing you all the best in the New Year 💗

Winter trip 3

The Siberian Crane, ソデグロヅル, only 1 this year, was hard to find. It doesn't like crowds I think...

Izumi, Kagoshima 鹿児島県出水 part 1 Siberian Crane, ソデグロヅル

We drove down to see all the cranes, the Siberian Crane in particular and other birds that hang around here in winter. It might very well be our last chance to see the birds up close before the area becomes a Ramsar site. It was as spectacular as always, watching those 15thousand + cranes flying over your head before sunrise. I didn't need to be concerned about finding the Siberian. The tall bird with its white plumage stood out clearly in the crowd.

Early morning mist. Temperatures around 2C

Waiting for breakfast, a noisy happening to say the least!

Here we come! Siberian Crane, ソデグロヅル

At one of the feeding points

Making its way to the front.

Look, my legs and feet are red!

Lining up with White-naped Cranes, マナヅル. Giving us excellent views. 

Cousins

Airborne again

Returning later in the day 

Last meal before settling down for the night