01/20/2025
Yesterday, after church, a friend and I made the hour-long drive up to the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge near Dayton, TN, in search of bald eagles and to view the sandhill cranes. When we arrived, the temperature hovered around 24 degrees and was steadily dropping. Shortly after we got there, the wind picked up, cutting through the layers I’d worn. Then, to my delight, snow began to fall. I knew the conditions might be harsh, but the snow would create a stunning backdrop if I could position myself just right to photograph some of the hundreds of sandhill cranes in the area.
As the wind howled and the cold air continued to seep in, I zipped my jacket up a little tighter and pulled my beanie down as far as it would go. Despite the chill, I was determined to brave the elements. I could see the cranes beginning to make their way into the open fields, seeking shelter from the wind. The falling snow added a magical element to their movements, and I took advantage of the opportunity to capture some breathtaking shots—both wide-angle views of the cranes scattered across the field and close-ups of them in flight.
Their unmistakable calls filled the air as more cranes arrived, flocking to the fields. The scene was mesmerizing: graceful birds, resilient against the harsh winter, framed by the falling snow. I lost track of time as I focused on capturing their beauty.
After about an hour and a half, though, the bitter cold finally got the best of me. My fingers, despite gloves, were nearly numb, and I reluctantly decided to head back to the car. When I climbed in, the thermometer read 19 degrees, and I sat for a moment, soaking in the experience. Driving away, I couldn’t help but reflect on how incredible it was to witness these cranes in such an awe-inspiring setting. Their resilience against the cold left me marveling at the beauty of God’s creation once again.
