Sandhill Crane - Delta, BC

Reifel Bird Sanctuary is arguably the best birding location in Vancouver. Its crown jewels are the Sandhill Cranes that nest and successfully raise colts (baby cranes) there. In the fall there are many migrants that stop and use the ponds as a refueling station on the trip south to California and beyond. These birds are very protective when they are raising their babies, but in the later months will stride along the path and take grain from your hand. They are free to leave and sometimes do to scout the farmland for better pickings. This picture was taken while we have a thick layer of smoke blanketing the area and makes for a redder hue than normal.