Grey Crowned Cranes

 

It's a bit hard to see the adult bird's crown against the yellow grass, but they were really pretty. It's amazing that the youngster will change color so much, but both crane parents look like the one in this picture.

We got to see a small part of the crane mating dance. In this species, the male does elaborate dances for the female that involve wing flapping, knee bending, and stick throwing. Apparently this momma crane was suitably impressed way back when...