The Sandhill Crane Story - Nikon D500 Wildlife Documentary
2017 ж. 6 Мау.
71 445 Рет қаралды
I followed a pair of nesting Sandhill Cranes for 3 months. In that short time span, I captured hours worth of incredible footage and walked among these majestic birds. The things I learned humbled me, saddened me and taught me more than I could ever have imagined. Take a small peek inside the incredible life of these awesome birds.
80% of the footage in this video was filmed in 4K on the Nikon D500. amzn.to/2nwkKAR
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I had to cry ...the crane dad made such a desperate call, while his partner was missing. You did a great job, documenting things.
What an incredible story and so beautifully and sensitively filmed and narrated. You deserve an award for this.
Agree. Mark, you deserve an award for this awesome documentary.
Mark, as you can see by all of the comments on this documentary you make a large impact on your viewers and therefore your works are bring awareness of wildlife and it’s needed protection as well as it’s beauty. Please keep your work in this area moving forward as you are a great voice for these wonderful creatures. Thank you for your efforts.
;-; this brings tears to my eyes such a beautiful story
Same...😢
You did such an exceptional job capturing the tenderness and humanity of these gorgeous birds. We are watching a Sand Hill Crane family right now raising their chick, now about a week old. Such a treat to see them care for their little babe. Thank you
Wow Mark, that was awesome. This has to be the best video I have ever seen on KZhead. You put the story together so beautifully. The narration was very slick and described the events so well. Congratulations.
That is a great compliment and I really appreciate it. Thanks so much.
This was a beautiful story. Your a good man. Thank you for trying to save the mother crane. 🌺🌺🌺
Mark you have a good soul helping these beautiful creature. God bless you and mother bird who lost her life! 👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
That’s an amazing story of that family of sandhill cranes, but also heartbreaking when the mother didn’t make it. You are an amazing person by trying to help the cranes. And also an incredible story teller!
2 baby sandhill cranes & parents are in our central Florida area right now & visit backyard. This story reminds us to be humble & respectful for our surroundings. We are guests here on mother earth and treasure her beauty
My family has enjoyed Sandhill Cranes everywhere we've lived in Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Nevada. They are marvelous birds to be sure. It is one of the upsides to all the flooding in the Pacific Northwest--- more wading and snacking for these fancy birds!
We watched your video for our science class and we all learned a lot, thank you!
Awesome! Glad to help!
We have a bunch of these guys in our neighborhood too! Absolutely love them! One of my favourite things I didn't know I was going to love when I moved down here.
I have always really liked you since discovering your channel but now after watching this presentation I can say that you are someone that I like and respect. You have earned that from me and I would believe many others.
Thank you very much. I really appreciate that.
Awesome video. Really had me when the female went missing, good that you went out of your way to get her out of there. It was quite emotional at the end...can't imagine how it was for you. Life goes on.
Thank you very much. It was very difficult at the end of the video.
@@MarkSmithphotography I am sorry Mark. Thank you for this beautiful story.
That was so beautiful! I photograph Sandhill Crane in the Pacific Northwest so I completely appreciate every aspect of your video. The still shots are all so incredible as well. I love how you were able to capture every moment to its fullest potential!! I was moved to say the least. It was so very sad what happened to the mom but you’re right, the chick carries on its mom’s legacy in the circle of life! Thank you for being so diligent in your work and bringing this story to life for all to enjoy! Thank you, thank you!
What a great story! That had to be so much work but so worthwhile. Thanks for putting this together and thanks for trying to make the rescue too. Oh and congrats on 1K! Jim
Thanks for the compliments. It was tough to make but well worth it!
Amazing and beautiful story Mark
Thank you, thank you! What an amazing story. I was doing research for an upcoming trip to Bosque del Apache in November (2022) and stumbled upon your video. It's as if the cranes knew you had been following them and led you to the injured mother. . . . . . ASTOUNDING! With your efforts, the mother's story lives on now, five years later.
Thank you!
What a great but sad story , even though I was 6 yrs late. You’re a good hearted person for what you did Mark .
Great work, first time I saw Sandhill Crane was north of Wiarton, ON. After that I saw them in the ditch off the TCH on the north side of Lake Superior. Summer of 2020 I enjoyed listening and trying to catch up (never getting close enough) to a pair north of Greenwater Lake Saskatchewan. The Magpies and Cranes were so loud in this quiet part of the country they just attract attention. Thanks for your hard work and dedication to educate people about these great birds.
I am following a family of cranes near my home. Chicks were born 4 days ago. I loved your video. You are such a wonderful person. I learned a lot from watching. I am very excited to continue my journey with my Crane Family. I wish people could be as kind as Cranes.
such a touching story - to bad for the sad ending- people need to be more aware for sure - especially in these special areas where wildlife congregates and raise families - THNK YOU FOR SHARING
I just got back to Colorado after a weekend watching Sandhill cranes in North Fork, Nebraska. I fell in love with them. Wonderful video.
I just saw my first sandhill crane today and I was absolutely entranced so I had to watch more of them when I got home. Your footage of them is so captivating and the heartbreaking story with the human interference is so important to share. Thank you for sharing this beautiful video.
Very nice story and photography. I enjoyed seeing your journey.
By far one of the most compelling video's I have ever seen. I love the Sandhill Cranes, here in Northern California. I recently went out to take pictures again and was going tomorrow but thought I would watch this to gain insight as you are one of my favorite photographers. Your video is a story that will last forever with me. Sad ending to say the least but your friend is right. The momma will last forever in our hearts. Thank you and your family. You are the best...
Mark, you have created a wonderful video about a Sandhill Crane family. As you said, the family will live on in digital form. Thank you.
A great story of those magnificent birds family... Didn't expect the sad end caused by human... All the still photos are really amazing.. The narration is so captive.. Amazing video worth watching and sharing... Congratulations to you for your great effort...
Thank you for sharing this incredible story.
You did an insanely good job on following these beautiful angels. Also theres a special place in Heaven for you helping that momma.
Thank you Mark for such a fantastic video. It was very sad to see the mum bird die, but I have learned a lot about the Crane. Once again a big Thanks.
❤a beautiful story. Thanks 😢
I live in Nebraska a half million Sandhill Cranes are visiting the resting grounds in the Kearney area. They are something to see. Great video. Thank you.
nice to give some locations, for amateurs is good to see where these birds are... unfortunately many of this days photographers are not willing that, what a shame :/
You have a very big heart thank you so much for sharing your story. You are amazing you have inspired a lot of people and with your gift of photography and storytelling make us feel we were with you on your story so thank you!
Wonderful work. The circle of life goes on.
Thank you for your heartwarming story. I saw my 1st sandhill crane mother and baby today at an unlikely site at Stoney Brook Audubon in Massachusetts.
This could be the fate never thought, so painful. Thanks a lot for the last image of the flying junior, and your comment about their aspirations. A great documentary.
What a magnificent documentary!!! These are truly remarkable birds. I have been following a Crane family in my neighborhood. I did cry at the end....😞 The mama bird will forever live on in her chick. Mark..... thanks so much for sharing!
Wonderful Mike the story touch my heart keep going as you are one of the best story teller of wild life and I follow most of your work on regular basis. Thanks you again for you incredible work
brilliant video and images i'm in the U.K. South West we have a Crane release program which has grown and grown your so lucky to get so close to these beautiful birds all we get is flight shots if we're lucky
Thanks Mark for bringing the whole story. At the end I never imagined it will be hit by human vehicle and die. Keep doing the good work. I love the way you jumped in ditch and helped the bird to rescue, we are not only photographers we are human too. You proved it. Hats off to you.
wtf u spoiled the story, reported
Thank you for creating this. I learned a lot . What a beautiful story of life and how they communicated to you for help. Momma will live on through her baby. I’ll be visiting a large migration group at Jasper-Pulaski (Indiana) tomorrow. Possibly 30,000.
Enjoy and tell them I said hi!
What a fantastic documentary
Thank you for sharing this with us. I love the Sandhill Cranes and have had some great experiences with them. I’m sorry that the mother crane did not make it ❤
Ok, I’m crying but what a fascinating story you shared. Thank you! I live in Nashville and dozens flew over yesterday. I’ve never heard or seen anything like it. The whole neighborhood was abuzz about the noise. Luckily, I got a short video of them passing over. I assumed they were geese. A neighbor knew they were sandhill cranes and others on the neighborhood email shared links and your video. I have really enjoyed all I’ve read about them. There is a refuge in East Tennessee and I hope to go see the thousands of cranes migrating next winter.
Wow. The tears started flowing at the end. What a beautiful story and thanks for sharing.
Mark, thank you. You’re awesome. The three sand cranes in my neighborhood just disappeared. I think they probably migrated. I miss them. Such an amazing documentary…
Wow. You weren't wrong about the heartbreaking part. I'm glad you got to spend lots of time with them though. As an amateur birder who's working on my ID skills, here are my guesses as to every bird I identified in this video, in order of appearance. Blue Jay (call) 0:01 Sandhill Crane 0:32 Red-winged Blackbird (call) 0:33 Great Blue Heron 0:45 Great Egret 1:00 Red-winged Blackbird 1:02 American White Pelican 1:09 American Coot 1:09 Blue-winged Teal 1:09 Mallard/Mottled Duck/other duck species 1:09 Common Gallinule (AKA Moorhen) 1:15 Northern Shoveler 1:33 Pied-billed Grebe 1:33 Glossy Ibis 1:33 Double-crested Cormorant 1:58 Roseate Spoonbill 3:00 White Ibis 3:00 Snowy Egret 3:00 Bald Eagle 5:43 Little Blue Heron 11:17 Mottled Duck 18:58 Sparrow species 23:03 I also saw a Boat-tailed Grackle behind the cranes the first time I watched, but couldn't find it again. let me know if there is anything else I missed. Once again, an amazing and captivating video!
+jarl5 Thanks. It was a great experience for me and I am happy to have had that incredible time with the cranes. I really like your bird Ids. I think you nailed it. Thanks for posting.
Dude, your a natural. Someone needs to be recording your stories and writing a book. All the way from initial interest to your AMAZING photos.
I look forward to all uploads now
Thanks! You may like this one too! Turtles and the Tide - A Journey with Mark Smith - Filmed on Sony A9 100-400 & iPhone 11 Pro Max
What a great story captured single handedly. Bravo
Thank you!
Mark this is the best video to watch! So nice to behold the amazing bonding of these amazing creatures that God made. God bless and waiting for more stories from your channel.
Mark, I know that feeling about lossing the female, I found an ingured Great Horn Owl on Dauphin island. I contacted the Environmental Studies Center here in Mobile and I was told what to do. I kept the bird comfortable over night, being the center was closed for the day. I gave it water from an eye dropper and brought it in first thing in the morning. A day later I was contacted that it had a broken back and was put to sleep. I is hard lossing a magnificent no matter what it is. Thanks for helping that Sandhill Sand.
Great story Mark Smith showing the circle of life.
Thanks
I have become die hard fan of your photography skills!!! Hope this will be your all time best video. The narration you give & picturization you do is really heart touching. The info about lens & cam setting is remarkable!!!!!
thanks Mark for your sharing this awesome video. looking forward to another birdie life story. Really appreciate your job.
Thank you for this video. Thank you for doing what you did to help them. I stumble upon your video as I was looking to get more info about these birds. They have started coming to my backyard. I learned so much and very saddened how things turned out for the family. This documentary was the best 30 minutes of my day. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!!
Mark, the story touches me so hard, a sad ending indeed. But it is life. So glad the baby grows up. Both parents are great caregivers. Amazing! Thank you.
Thank you. I love sand hill cranes and you did wonderfully- showing how remarkable they are.
People like you give me hope for humanity. Thanks!
That is an awesome thing to say! Thanks for watching.
such a beautiful video - she was such a good mother - this part was so sad - but I'm glad you were able to film the chick in flight on its own wild journey at the end- you did a brilliant portrait of this awesome family-
This story touches our hearts. Thank you for sharing!
Excellent photography, videography, and storytelling. I haven't been that engrossed in a KZhead video in a long time. Maybe never. I think your channel will do well. Great job.
Thanks so much! I am glad the video kept you watching.
Mark your story with the baby crane is absolutely incredible, I really enjoyed it. MALC RICHINGS UK
Thanks for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
This broke my heart right in half - I can't imagine how much harder it was for you. I do think the way you wrapped the story was somewhat healing. I don't think we have to be so callous about animals that we can't see that they feel grief but they also teach us acceptance. Powerful work, Mark.
Beautiful story, it's life, and. she's continued life for the chick..... Amazing Mark...
Just loved watching your 3 month journey with this family. Such a sad ending, but it's nature and you captured it beautifully. I'm in love with our Sandhill crane family, and waiting on 2 eggs to hatch soon. We've watched these Parents raise babies last year, and look forward to watching them teach and love on their new babies. Thanks so much for sharing!
Wow...so sorry for mama ...hope baby have lots of babies...thank you for sharing ...😍0
I didn't expect the very sad ending.
A sad story told beautifully. One of your best Mark. Brought a tear to my eye...well, maybe more than one.
Great filming with a nice story
Great work! Love the shots, and they way the female didn't die in vain, hopefully you getting involved and the new signs will help! Thank You
What a wonderful and time consuming project to document this family of sandhill cranes. I always enjoy watching wildlife behavior. Such a sad turn of events with the demise of the mother, but a good reminder of the perils our wildlife faces every day. Thanks Mark for making this documentary, and thanks for caring for the mother crane.
Thanks. It was an incredible experience even though things didn't quite turn out the way I thought they would.
Mark- thanks for the beautiful story and careful documentary of this Sand Hill Crane family. You did a great job and all your efforts are appreciated to the very end. I wish you the best in all your exploratory endeavors and I want you to know that you do make a difference and you are a vessel for God's wonderful channeling of the animal kingdom. Blessings my brother I thoroughly enjoyed this. Peace be with you.
Thank you!
Tears....how touching a story. Well done sir. Well done.
Thanks. It was really rough
What a brilliant watch. You, sir, are a great human being attempting the rescue.
I'm sure others have described our thanks better than I can. But i just have to add my words. Thanks Mark.
Thank you for your beautiful story. I live in central Florida and usually see the sandhill cranes in pair. They are amazing creatures. Only a few times have I seen a family with chicks. However, during the last week a single crane has appeared on the perimeter on my back yard. He/she (not sure) seemed hungry and lonely. I’m curious about the circumstances. Your documentary was great and inspiring. Thank you!
Mark, thank you for sharing your beautiful photos. You were where you were supposed to be, for a purpose, and did your best to save the Mama. Touched my heart. In March, My husband and I moved near a lake in central Florida. A sandhill crane family of four stroll through our yard several times a day. I love these majestic birds. Papa even gave us a friendly peck on the sun-room window one day. So amazing to watch how quickly the two chicks grow, and how devoted the parents are to them, and to each other. I know they mate for life. The chicks should be getting their flight feathers next month. Thanks for all the work you do to promote the protection and respect of nature.
I always enjoy your narration as much as the photos. Thank you.
You photos immortalize their journey forever. Thank you for your kindness trying to save mom. I am near the Muleshoe Wildlife Preserve in Texas where these cranes migrate to every year, sometimes 250,000 between October to January. You cannot always see them flying overhead but can hear them calling to one another.
Great story Mark. Tears burst when I read what happened to the mother.
Mark that was an absolutely incredible piece of work, in spite of the sad outcome it was a real delight to see this. You should be very proud of this documentary, it was brilliantly filmed and narrated. You are a good guy, sorry your efforts to save the female were in vain. So glad I found your channel, your camera work and passion is very inspiring. Cheers from here in the UK. tony
Thank you so much. I am very proud of this video. It was a great experience for me even though things didn't turn out how I would have liked them to. Thank you for all the wonderful compliments. They mean a lot to me. Knowing that other people enjoy the videos makes them all worth the effort.
Thank you, A current Texas Monthly article lead me to your video. What a gift you have made!
What a fantastic story. Thank you for sharing
I'm late to the Mark Smith party, but so glad that I made it. This was heart-wrenching to watch, but worth every second of my time. I have loved watching and learning about the local wildlife here in Florida, and you have motivated me to invest my money and time in trying to capture the story of some my local birds here in Nokomis, Florida. Just last night, a walk on the South jetty in Venice at sunset had a pair of Ospreys flying so close overhead the 200mm might have been too much zoom to capture the birds in flight. Anyway, thanks again for all your fantastic content, life-lessons and for simply being an awesome human being. I hope to meet you one day and thank you in person. Cheers; Paul.
Many thanks for this super work, it will stay with me forever.
Thanks for watching
Great job! Thank you. 👍🏼😊👌🏼
Thank you for the great story!
Thanks for watching.
That was amazing. Thank you so much for documenting this story and sharing it with us.
God bless you for your kindness and willingness to share your experiences 💜
I am speechless! I appreciate you Mark 🙏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Super film, thanks for sharing ... cheers
Beautiful Story. I am wildlife photographer Mark. I watch and follow just about every photographer on you tube. You my friend are the very best .
Thanks so much. It was tough. I really appreciate your comment. That is something I don't take lightly. Thank you!
Mark , yes it was obvious that you were moved by this experience. You have a bright future before you my friend and I really feel that you are going to make a difference .
Again, that is very nice of you to say. I really appreciate the encouragement.
Excellent film! It is always sad when one of the family is struck by tragedy. Mom lives on in the colt that she helped raise and in your lovely video. Nina Faust
It is an excellent documentary, Mark, thank you! A very sad ending - a time to be born and a time to die.
Loved this!! I live in Florida and we have MANY Sandhills in our community. This was very informative.
This is a beautiful story! Thanks for sharing, Mark! :)
Awesome video Mark. Thank you for sharing it with us.
its 10/13/2020 and after spending a wonderful 3rd night in a row at the Audubon Haehnle Bird Sanctuary near Jackson, Michigan watching Sandhill Cranes fly into the huge wetland area (the sanctuary boasts 1,000+ acres) from nearby cornfields where they are fatting up before migrating south for the winter, I came home and discovered your awesome documentary on a family of Sandhill Cranes. It was very engaging, and I was heartbroken when the mother was hit by a car and died inspite of your and others' attempt to save her life. I will always think of you and your adopted Sandhill Crane family when I watch Sandhill Cranes fly above me on their way to the wetlands and will share your Sandhill Crane Story with other Sandhill Crane lovers. Great job! And thank you for enriching my life with this endearing story.