First Feeders is a special photograph that combines many unusual circumstances. To begin with the photo was taken on a magical ranch, the Johnson Ranch, located in Lamar, Texas. On the ranch the Johnson's have built a lovely house that is available for rent. On almost every morning from November through March guests are treated to a visit from a pair of Whooping Cranes known as the Johnson cranes. Many years, in their migration to Texas, the Johnson cranes have a juvenile whooper with them.

Now to the photograph. Before sunrise the Crane House guests are permitted to put out corn to attract the local four legged wildlife that inhabit the Johnson Ranch. This particular morning because of the severe dryness in Coastal Texas the corn was especially enticing to a wild hog and several Whitetail deer. The Johnson cranes arrived on the scene, at sunrise, to find this collection of hungry ranch residents. As you can see, they had in tow with them their twin juvenile whoppers. A pair of juvenile whoopers is very uncommon. In fact this season they are presently the only twin juvenile Whooping Cranes on earth. Truly a rare pair. It was also foggy on this morning. The peachy cast to the image is a result of the brilliant orange sunrise being reflected in the particulate of the fog.

I have taken tens of thousands of photographs over many years. This photo stands as one of my very favorites due to this confluence of unusual circumstances. I sincerely hope that you too find special joy in this image.

Sincerely,

John Martell