In my lifetime, sandhill cranes have made my Montana home more than just a spot on their migration pattern. Many of them have chosen to actually spend the summer here than I saw in the seventies when I first came. So when the migration happens, and hundreds appear, it feels like a family reunion. All the cousins are here visiting and will join them on a long beautiful journey, following the sun.
"Bye for now" they seem to be saying.
Simply seeing them all in a field is tremendously uplifting. Many cars stop. The sandhills have look outs that watch the flanks while the group gathers sustenance for the next leg of the journey.
I was so grateful that they incorporated my car into their 'safe' space.
We are all in this together and seeing the cranes all looking so good, gives nourishment to our human souls.
8"x10" oil on board