Sandhill cranes fly to their nighttime roost in the wetlands at Bernardo wildlife area in Bosque, New Mexico. Photo: Ronen Tivony
My Picture of Sandhill Cranes Flying to Their Roost Published in The Guardian
This week’s collection of the “Best Wildlife Photographs from Around the World” features my image of Sandhill Cranes flying to their nighttime roost in the Bernardo Wildlife Area near Bosque del Apache, New Mexico. Published on December 5, 2025, in The Guardian.
Sandhill Cranes are well-known for their annual migration from northern breeding grounds in Canada and the northern U.S. to wintering grounds in the southern U.S., especially wetlands like those at Bernardo and Bosque del Apache. These protected areas provide crucial habitats for resting and feeding during migration.
Interesting facts about Sandhill Cranes:
They can live up to 20 years in the wild, showcasing remarkable longevity for birds of their size.
Their loud, rolling calls are easily recognizable and carry over long distances, aiding communication during migration.
Sandhill Cranes form lifelong pair bonds and perform elaborate courtship dances that include bowing, jumping, and wing-flapping.
Their diet consists of a variety of plants, seeds, insects, and small animals typical of wetland ecosystems.
Sandhill Cranes are popular subjects for both wildlife photography and birdwatching due to their majestic appearance, social behavior, and impressive migratory patterns.
Photo by wildlife photojournalist Ronen Tivony, published in The Guardian.
If you enjoyed this post, you can explore my full portfolio of published wildlife photography or check out my upcoming Florida photography workshops to improve your own field craft.