A different way to pay it forward
How to have double the fun
I’ve mentioned the Sandhill Cranes a few times before but they are so amazing to watch (and photograph), I think they need their own post.
Before moving to Washington, I had heard of the cranes because of the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico. I really wasn’t very interested. I don’t usually get excited about photographing birds—forgive me, Alicia. But the first time Alicia visited me here in Washington, she heard them fly by and we learned about the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival. In Othello (which is only about an hour drive), nearly 35,000 Sandhill Cranes stop for a few weeks during their migration.
Turns out there are flight paths used by migrating birds and Washington state is in the Pacific Americas Flyway.
From Wikepedia: “Along the Pacific Flyway, there are many key rest stops where birds of many species gather, sometimes in the millions, to feed and regain their strength before continuing. Some species may remain in these rest stops for the entire season, but most stay a few days before moving on.”
We tried to see them that year but we weren’t able to. Our timing wasn’t quite right.
In 2025 I learned about a nearby farm where you can drive up and see them. Alicia was visiting at the time, too. So we went out there and all I can say is WOW. To witness so many so many beautiful birds landing in the same area is extraordinary. Definitely an amazing experience that stays with you.
Migration time came around this year and I was completely oblivious. But then on a walk with Bodhi I HEARD THEM FLYING OVERHEAD! I immediately recognized their call and I knew I had to go back. But why not share the experience with another friend? A cool experience pay-it-forward… Alicia had shown me, and now I was going to show someone else!
I asked my friend Darcie if she had ever seen the Sandhill Cranes. At first she wasn’t too enthusiastic. She thought I meant construction cranes… but when I clarified she was excited to join me.
There’s a reason you can tell when Sandhill Cranes are flying overhead. They have a very distinct call. Listen to the video below and you’ll see what I mean. When you hear that above you, you know exactly what it is!
Darcie and I drove to the local viewing spot near sunset and pulled up to where we could see the cranes. But the real awe was when we opened the car doors and we could hear them. So many of them! It’s such a unique experience. We stayed for a while just enjoying them (and taking pictures, of course).
Paying forward this experience allowed me to see the cranes with new eyes and watching my friend appreciate them made me so happy. Next year I will try to go back and share the cranes with someone else. What’s an experience you would like to share? Is there a place you’d like to take someone to? Something magical you’d like for someone else to enjoy? Let me know in the comments.
Thank you for reading Photographs and Stories it means a lot to me that you do. My next post will have lots of exciting news. Stay tuned!
Excellent photos, Ana.
Very cool!