sunrise & cranes

It was worth getting out of bed this morning just to see this beautiful sunrise.  


The light reflecting off the mountains was beautiful, & then the cranes took off to go out to feed for the morning. 



On the short drive to town was this lovely reflection of the mountains in the pond...


... & a border patrol headquarters.

On previous visits, the cranes returned mid-day & hung around until sunset. It's now dusk, & they haven't yet returned. A few groups have flown past overhead but haven't landed in the pond as expected. My other two visits were in late February, so does their schedule change through the winter? Is there less food this year, so they are staying out longer to feed? Is there something in the area of the pond today that I'm not seeing or hearing that is keeping them from returning this evening? I'd love to know. Hope they are back by morning as watching them is such a treat, & I want to know that they are well. 

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