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Red Crowned Crane - for Argus


Red Crowned Crane - for Argus
Photo Information
Copyright: James Parker (Jamesp) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1351 W: 0 N: 5494] (16522)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-01-15
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS 1Ds MkII
Exposure: f/7.1, 1/800 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Wildlife of Japan [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-05-06 9:18
Viewed: 1191
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 54
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
I am dedicating this headshot of a Red Crowned Crane to Ivan, in recognition of all his fine bird postings.

This was taken at the Akkan Crane over wintering site.

The Red-crowned Crane (Grus japonensis), also called the Japanese Crane or Manchurian Crane, is a large crane and is the second rarest crane in the world. In East Asia, it is known as a symbol of luck and fidelity. At 140 cm (55 inches) high, the crane does not make easy prey, for all that it stands out in its natural habitat of marshes and swamps. When it matures, the Red-crowned Crane is snow white with a patch of red skin on its head. This patch of skin becomes bright red when the crane becomes angry or excited. The heaviest crane on record is a male Red-crowned Crane weighing 15 kg (33 lbs.), although large Sarus Cranes are taller.

In the spring and summer, the Red-crowned Crane breeds in Siberia and occasionally in northeastern Mongolia (i.e., Mongol Daguur Strictly Protected Area). Normally the crane lays 2 eggs, with only one surviving. Later, in the fall, it migrates in flocks to Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, and other countries in East Asia to spend the winter. All Red-crowned Cranes migrate, except for a flock that is resident in Hokkaidō.

The crane eats small amphibians, aquatic invertebrates, insects, and plants that grow in marshes and swamps.

The habitat used is marshes, riverbanks, rice fields, and other wet areas.

StatusThe estimated population of the species is only 1,500 in the wild[1], with about 1,000 in China, making it one of the most endangered species of bird.

The National Aviary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ran a program where U.S. zoos donated eggs which were flown to Russia and raised in the Khinganski Nature Reserve and released into the wild. This program sent 150 eggs between 1995-2005. The program has been put on hold in order to concentrate on different crane conservation programs in Russia, such as education and fire suppression.

Taken with my 300mm 2.8 + 1.4x converter.
boreocypriensis, Amadeo, Argus, eqshannon, Alex99, jaycee, maurydv, Gert-Paassen, nglen, gracious, bahadir, rcrick, rousettus, SelenE, SueThomson, haraprasan, gannu, Royaldevon, albert, CeltickRanger has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi James,

What a beautiful bird and its Excellent wor my friend and nice dedication to our joint friend Ivan. I am sure that he will take to his heart! TFS.
Cheers,

Bayram

hi
very good shot
keep it up
balbir

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3816 W: 190 N: 11348] (34987)
  • [2008-05-06 9:50]

Thank you James!
Much appreciated, as is this fine close portrait of a Red-crowned Crane. You must have been close, presumably in a hide, to achieve such sharpness and detail of this crane's head with crystals of snow shown still clinging to the bill after feeding.
Thanks for sharing this and for the honour that you bestow on me,
Ivan

Egypt, Sudan, Syria, Yemin and Iraq....Interesting...All of those countries share the dominating colours of this bird. It did look sort of flag-like when I first saw it...hmmm...very neat in nature..I wonder if it is indigenous to any of those areas? Very nice dedication James!
Bob

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3585 W: 143 N: 5669] (18533)
  • [2008-05-06 9:58]

Hi James.
Wonderful shot of the charming creature. I like fine smooth light BG, great exposure of the bird and its complex colouration. Sharpness and details of the image are terrific. Bravo and my compliments.
Alexei.

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2493 W: 11 N: 6885] (21912)
  • [2008-05-06 9:58]

Hi James,

Wonderful dedication to our friend Ivan, a most cherished member of TN. You must have been very close to this Crane to get this excellent portrait. Beautiful colors and fine details - he has quite a profile.

Jane

Splendido primo piano, straordinaria nitidezza, eccellente esposizione con perfetta leggibilità sia dei bianchi che dei neri, magnifici i colori e BG. Grazie e complimenti. Ciao Maurizio

Hello james,

nice portrait of these bird.
Razor sharp and beautiful colors.

gert

  • Great 
  • pvs Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1168 W: 261 N: 3035] (13835)
  • [2008-05-06 11:19]

Hi James,

A nice close up with good details,the exposure is spot on and details are both visible in the dark and lighter tones of the cranebird,well done and tfs

Paul

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2908 W: 34 N: 8625] (32146)
  • [2008-05-06 11:20]

Hi James. I am sure Ivan will love this dedication. What a fine looking bird which you have captured with good detail and natural colours. It has a shy look about its face. well done TFS. Interesting notes too.Nick..

Hello James,
Nice to know that you are back from Ireland trip and sharing with us this excellent posting!
very good closeup of the Crane to enjoy every single details in it especailly the nice colouration, much appreciated for your effort!
well done
cheers
Tony

Hello James, splendid portrait capture of this beautiful bird. Regards, Bahadır

  • Great 
  • rcrick Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 713 W: 36 N: 1554] (5001)
  • [2008-05-06 15:29]

Hi James,

Stunning portrait shot of this Red-crowned Crane, beautiful light, excellent detail, lovely work,

Cheers Rick :)

Hello James,
this is one of the best shot of your Japenese cranes. Wonderful portraite with superb colors and sharp details. Exposure, POV/OOF and composition very nice. This is also great dedication our joint friend Ivan, who is kind friend and can identify many species quickly, you already mentined. Thanks so much. best wishes
Ahmet

Hi James
A lovely head shot of an interesting bird. He almost has a wistful look in his eye. Lovely detail on the beak, eye and nicely composed with the light background
Cheers
Sue

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2001 W: 226 N: 6845] (24727)
  • [2008-05-07 1:12]

Very sharp capture of this Crane!
What stunning detail in the beak and feathers... is that blood on the beak or just berry juice or something?
Exceptional DOF and a brilliant BG.
I like the pose and diagonal composition.
A very deserving dedication to Ivan :-)
Well done James!

Joe

  • Great 
  • iris Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 469 W: 60 N: 947] (3016)
  • [2008-05-07 2:06]

Hi James,
A stunning portrait of the Red crowned crane. I must say the thumbnail didnt really attract me but the opning this one to see a larger version hasnt disappointed me.This is infact such a delight.The white has been exposed well and this is a real beauty.The ctachlight works wonders enlivening the whole composition.
Very well done.
TFS & Cheers

Hola James, excelente primer plano, buena luz y color.
Un saludo

Hi James,
A lovely portrait capture of this crowned crane. A nice dedication for Ivan. Excellent composition and sharp details. Thanks a lot for sharing.

  • Great 
  • gannu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1169 W: 4 N: 3262] (14691)
  • [2008-05-07 3:09]

Hello james, Long beak and long neck. nice composition and good POV. Ganesh

Hello James,

What a wonderful close-up shot and how nicely composed! The head resembles a question mark!

The details are very impressive! Even the ice crystals can be observed!

Kind regards,
Bev :-)

Hello James
Excellent portrait of this beautiful crane
Well done
Albert

  • Great 
  • PaulH Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1110 W: 23 N: 3656] (13083)
  • [2008-05-07 5:16]

Hi James,
very nice profile POV. Loads of detail and a perfect DOF, well seen and captured.
tfs
Paul

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1899 W: 36 N: 5579] (18518)
  • [2008-05-07 7:02]

Hi James,
Excellent portrait shot of this Red Crowned Crane and the tiny water droplets makes it look even better. Immaculate sharpness and nice colours with great illumination. Nice pose captured with a precise DOF and a well chosen POV. This definitely would have made Ivan happy as a dedication. Very nicely composed. Kudos.
TFS.
Sumon

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2388 W: 94 N: 5521] (17576)
  • [2008-05-07 8:10]

Hello James,
Very beautiful portrait of this Crane. Perfect sharpness and great natural colours. The contrasts against the BG are beautiful. Excellent POV and composition.
Regards,
Peter

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2992 W: 162 N: 950] (2789)
  • [2008-05-07 10:24]

Hello James,
What a fine close portrait of this beautiful Crane. Impressive sharpness and beautiful colours. Ivan deserves it! :-)
TFS and best wishes, Ulla

hello James

very beautiful portrait shot of this Red Crowned Crane,
fine POV and framing, great sharpness and superb details
of the plumage, that very little catch-light at the eye
it change alot in improving the image, TFS

Asbed

  • Great 
  • SelenE Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2405 W: 63 N: 4227] (13822)
  • [2008-05-07 23:10]

Hi James,
Lovely portrait with very good color tones, details, lighting, POV, composition and background. TFS
Greetings,
Selen

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