Red-crowned Cranes, eastern Hokkaido, Japan (part 1)

These magnificent birds are all over the place in eastern Hokkaido in winter, with scattered individuals, family groups and pairs in suitable fields, wetlands, shallow lakes and rivers. They also gather together for roosting and to take advantage of food given to them at feeding stations, such as Akan and Tsurui. These photos were largely taken at the latter two feeding stations. One thing lacking in late January was a nice cvering of snow. But you can't have everything...