Two years ago, two whooping cranes landed in my beach area and stayed the whole season. Fasinated with their size and elegance, I became very intrigued with them. They are one of my most favorite birds. A whooping crane usually lays two eggs, only one normally survives. In these photos however, you will see a pair of twins. This is a rare thing to happen and a thrill to be able to photograph. Sandhills on the other hand, can be funny to watch and experience, especially during their courting and mating season.
Thanks for posting your whoopers. They are the first pictures I have seen of them. What a privilege to see and photograph them. Did you only see them one year? It looks like lots of sandhills have arrived in your area. Perhaps you can post some more photos of their breeding antics this spring.