Gray Crane Fishing Big Lost River May 26 2010

Upstream from the Big Lost River Smelter Bridge.

Gray Crane April 28 2010

Gray crane flying over the Big Lost River Smelter Bridge.

Gray Crane April 28 2010

Big gray crane upstream from the Big Lost River Smelter Bridge.  A few of these huge birds live here in Mackay, Idaho all year long. Cranes have gray bodies, necks, and heads, and a bare patch of red skin on the top of the head. Individuals can achieve heights up to 47.2 inches (120 centimeters) and generally weigh between 7.3 and 12 pounds (3.3 to 5.4 kilograms). Sandhill cranes have a wingspan of between 63 and 82.6 inches (160 to 210 centimeters). Data from http://animals.jrank.org

Gray Crane Over Smelter Ave April 13 2010

Two huge gray cranes have wintered on the Big Lost River. The fishing is great for them right now with the river down, and crystal clear.