Bird Photo Competition 2011/12 : Entry Number 814

Occasionally, someone takes a photograph that really transports the viewer into the world of birds. In this flight shot of a party of cranes, the eye-level viewpoint allows you to imagine you're flying along with the flock. Great lighting, poses and background clouds add up to a hugely engaging image.

One of my photographic highlights this past year was visiting Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area in northern Indiana during the fall Sandhill Crane migration. It is a most wondrous experience with thousands of these magnificent cranes filling the sky and the farm fields in the area. I'm honored that this photograph was chosen from among all of the wonderful photos submitted! Jan Crites - Geneva, Illinois Nikon d90, Nikon 70-300mm lens, Post processing with Adobe Lightroom