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
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.
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.
Wow Mark, that was awesome. This has to be the best video I have ever seen on UA-cam. You put the story together so beautifully. The narration was very slick and described the events so well. Congratulations.
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.
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!
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!
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
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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...
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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 .
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 :/
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 moved to Florida a few months ago from NYC and see these cranes often. They stop me in my tracks every time with their awing presence because I’ve never been so close to such giant wild birds before. Ive become so enamored and curious of them that I came to UA-cam to search for any footage and information of them. I came across this video and was completely wrapped up in it start to finish. It answered all my curiosities of them and more! Thank you SO much for this incredible story and your dedication to capture this little crane family, despite the unfortunate ending. Really truly amazing. I cannot thank you enough kind sir!
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.
Oh Mark... ya made me cry... you made such a beautiful documentary, and poured so much of your heart into this family I don't think I will ever forget it!
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.
Thanks for sharing this Mark. You provide a fantastic narration to the story. This is a great reminder that we all need to care for injured wild life and help where we can.
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…
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
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...
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.
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!!!!!
Great documentary. Most wildlife photographers and fim makers want to show the beauty and greatness of nature but seeing and understanding that not everything has a happy end is just part of the truth. Thanks for sharing this experience.
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.
Mark, thank you so much for a wonderful but ultimately sad story. You made every effort to help the mother Crane and you should be very proud of yourself. I have watched all of your videos and this is without a doubt your best work, you are a true inspiration to all of us wildlife photographers.
Wow! Thank you so much for the awesome compliments. It really makes a difference knowing what others think and I am very happy to share this incredible story even though it didn't have the happy ending I wanted. I am very proud of this video and being able to help as much as I could. I know things would have been much worse for that crane had she been left alone at night.
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!
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.
Not everyone would correctly interpret the call that the birds were making, much less find the mom, much less go in the water to help her. Respect for sure.
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!
Excellent photography, videography, and storytelling. I haven't been that engrossed in a UA-cam video in a long time. Maybe never. I think your channel will do well. Great job.
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!
I now live in Florida and recently photographed a pair of Sandhills Cranes and 2 chicks. Your narrative was great and sensitive to situation. Listening to you took me back to my grandpa Perry Smith. You look and sound like a Smith relative. ❤
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.
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!
What a great project. It's always so tragic when our world of rushing around collides with the natural world, but in this case, a memory was created that will live on through your video. Thanks for sharing.
Hello Mark, I have followed you for a while and admire your fine shots, but this story has shown me a side of you that makes me even more want to come and spend some time with you. Your compassion and humanity show what a fine person you are. I knew you are a great photog, butI know you are a great person with whom I should love to spend some time to learn not only photography but really learn about the wildlife you are shooting. Great video and keep them coming.
Wow. This is an incredible story. We have two sandhill cranes hanging out on our farm in Minnesota this week, so I'm suddenly very interested in them. We just went for a walk and heard six more, all surrounding a pond at our neighbors. Thanks so much for this great story. I will watch it with my kids later this week.
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-
What an amazing story you captured here. It is so heartwarming to see such extraordinary talent devoted to our most vulnerable--our precious wildlife. Thank you and continue doing your phenomenal photography and film work.
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.
We watched your video for our science class and we all learned a lot, thank you!
Awesome! Glad to help!
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
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!
Amazing and beautiful story Mark
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.
Wow Mark, that was awesome. This has to be the best video I have ever seen on UA-cam. 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.
Mark you have a good soul helping these beautiful creature. God bless you and mother bird who lost her life! 👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
;-; this brings tears to my eyes such a beautiful story
Same...😢
Very nice story and photography. I enjoyed seeing your journey.
❤a beautiful story. Thanks 😢
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!
People like you give me hope for humanity. Thanks!
That is an awesome thing to say! Thanks for watching.
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!
This was a beautiful story. Your a good man. Thank you for trying to save the mother crane. 🌺🌺🌺
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!
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!
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.
What a great story captured single handedly. Bravo
Thank you!
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.
What a great but sad story , even though I was 6 yrs late. You’re a good hearted person for what you did Mark .
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.
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
Great story Mark Smith showing the circle of life.
Thanks
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.
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...
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.
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.
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!
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.
Wow. The tears started flowing at the end. What a beautiful story and thanks for sharing.
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
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.
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.
Thank you for sharing this incredible story.
Wonderful work. The circle of life goes on.
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 :/
Tears....how touching a story. Well done sir. Well done.
Thanks. It was really rough
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.
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, 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.
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.
God bless you for your kindness and willingness to share your experiences 💜
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.
This story touches our hearts. Thank you for sharing!
What a brilliant watch. You, sir, are a great human being attempting the rescue.
I didn't expect the very sad ending.
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 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.
A sad story told beautifully. One of your best Mark. Brought a tear to my eye...well, maybe more than one.
I moved to Florida a few months ago from NYC and see these cranes often. They stop me in my tracks every time with their awing presence because I’ve never been so close to such giant wild birds before. Ive become so enamored and curious of them that I came to UA-cam to search for any footage and information of them. I came across this video and was completely wrapped up in it start to finish. It answered all my curiosities of them and more! Thank you SO much for this incredible story and your dedication to capture this little crane family, despite the unfortunate ending. Really truly amazing. I cannot thank you enough kind sir!
Thank you!
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.
Oh Mark... ya made me cry... you made such a beautiful documentary, and poured so much of your heart into this family I don't think I will ever forget it!
Thanks so much. Sorry to make you cry.
What a fantastic documentary
Thank you. I love sand hill cranes and you did wonderfully- showing how remarkable they are.
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.
Thanks for sharing this Mark. You provide a fantastic narration to the story. This is a great reminder that we all need to care for injured wild life and help where we can.
Thanks for watching and for the great compliments!
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…
Wonderful story. So good of you to try and help as you did.
Thanks for watching
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
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...
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.
Great story Mark. Tears burst when I read what happened to the mother.
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!!!!!
Great documentary. Most wildlife photographers and fim makers want to show the beauty and greatness of nature but seeing and understanding that not everything has a happy end is just part of the truth. Thanks for sharing this experience.
+geographer ix Thanks for the great compliments and thanks for watching.
Thank you for sharing your experience. This is one of the most impactful videos I've watched on UA-cam.
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.
Mark, thank you so much for a wonderful but ultimately sad story. You made every effort to help the mother Crane and you should be very proud of yourself. I have watched all of your videos and this is without a doubt your best work, you are a true inspiration to all of us wildlife photographers.
Wow! Thank you so much for the awesome compliments. It really makes a difference knowing what others think and I am very happy to share this incredible story even though it didn't have the happy ending I wanted. I am very proud of this video and being able to help as much as I could. I know things would have been much worse for that crane had she been left alone at night.
I always enjoy your narration as much as the photos. Thank you.
thanks Mark for your sharing this awesome video. looking forward to another birdie life story. Really appreciate your job.
Beautiful story, it's life, and. she's continued life for the chick..... Amazing Mark...
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!
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
Not everyone would correctly interpret the call that the birds were making, much less find the mom, much less go in the water to help her. Respect for sure.
Incredible video. Thank you for sharing and taking the time to document this and trying your best to save the mom.
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!
I enjoyed this so much. It brought many smiles. Sad, but true to life. Beautiful photography!
Many thanks for this super work, it will stay with me forever.
Thanks for watching
Excellent photography, videography, and storytelling. I haven't been that engrossed in a UA-cam 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.
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!
thank you for recording this beautiful story and trying to save this beautiful bird .
Thanks for watching!
Thanks!
Thank you!
I now live in Florida and recently photographed a pair of Sandhills Cranes and 2 chicks. Your narrative was great and sensitive to situation. Listening to you took me back to my grandpa Perry Smith. You look and sound like a Smith relative. ❤
A wonderful wildlife story. Well done.
Thanks!
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.
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!
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.
What a great project. It's always so tragic when our world of rushing around collides with the natural world, but in this case, a memory was created that will live on through your video. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Hello Mark, I have followed you for a while and admire your fine shots, but this story has shown me a side of you that makes me even more want to come and spend some time with you. Your compassion and humanity show what a fine person you are. I knew you are a great photog, butI know you are a great person with whom I should love to spend some time to learn not only photography but really learn about the wildlife you are shooting. Great video and keep them coming.
That is very nice of you to say. Thanks
A real wonderful work, excellent narration, beautiful photography, video coverage and built up tragic story with ultimate lesson for we the humans.
Wow. This is an incredible story. We have two sandhill cranes hanging out on our farm in Minnesota this week, so I'm suddenly very interested in them. We just went for a walk and heard six more, all surrounding a pond at our neighbors. Thanks so much for this great story. I will watch it with my kids later this week.
Thanks for watching!
Great work Mark. Even though she didn't make it, mum did her job. Well done.
Thanks and you are 100% correct about the mom.
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-
I'm sure others have described our thanks better than I can. But i just have to add my words. Thanks Mark.
Great story Mark and thanks for sharing it with all of us.
Thanks for watching.
What a fantastic story. Thank you for sharing
Oh my..what a story! You had a real connection with this family. I only wish there could have been a better ending....thank you for sharing it.
Thanks so much for sharing this fine story. Your efforts and time are very much appreciated.
Thanks for watching.
What an amazing story you captured here. It is so heartwarming to see such extraordinary talent devoted to our most vulnerable--our precious wildlife. Thank you and continue doing your phenomenal photography and film work.
+Patricia Downey Thanks for watching. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.