Sandhill Cranes, Bosque del Apache NWR, Socorro NM

Part of the ritual courting dance of the Sandhill Crane is the vertical leap. The bird faces its potential mate and then springs vertically into the air. I suppose the height of the leap is supposed to impress. Sandhills, unlike most other birds, display courting behavior year round, so it is common to see them practicing their vertical leaps wherever Sandhills gather. This is just before dawn at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in Socorro New Mexico. The birds are excited, as they are about to leave their night gathering and disperse to feed for the day. As this bird is not facing off with a potential mate, I have to believe the bird is just leaping for the joy of it.

Nikon P900 at 600mm equivalent field of view. 1/30th @ ISO 1400 @ f5. Processed in Lightroom.