The Sandhill Crane Festival in Lodi, CA is an annual event that attracts people from near and far - birders, photographers, families, and nature lovers who enjoy seeing God's creation.
NOTE FOR SUNSET SHOTS TAKEN TWO DAYS EARLIER:
This was a pretty big bust for most everyone. The clear skies were bereft of drama, and the sandhill cranes started flying in after sunset. Even at 1600 ISO, my poor little camera and lens weren't a match for the conditions.
I DID enjoy hearing a flock of about a dozen cranes flying about 20 feet over head straight toward us at the parking lot, then turning 180 degrees when they were right over us. You could hear the heavy wings struggling to maneuver the sharp turn. A loud whoosh, and they went back and landed near the water.