Sandhill cranes of several subspecies are found across most of the North American continent.  These were part of a small breeding flock in the Creamer's Field park in Fairbanks, Alaska.   Creamer's Field (an old dairy) is very close to downtown Fairbanks and is pretty much surrounded by developed areas, so having cranes breed there is a special treat.   The cranes were fairly approachable but due to the high vegetation, it was hard to get a look at the chick that was part of a family group.
            Other pictures of cranes at the Bosque del Apache refuge in New Mexico are here, here, here, and here; also, look at the Bosque del Apache page on this site.

• Canon 1D4, 800 mm f5.6 IS lens with 1.4X converter, some with fill-in flash (2011)