The Red-crowned Crane, an exhibition of over 80 striking photographs featuring dramatic images of red-crowned cranes, opened Friday, May 14, 2010, at the National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung. On view along the corridor on the second floor of the Global Environment Hall through August 31, the exhibition brings the work of the renowned wildlife photographer, Fong Ying-ke, whose artistry showcases the grace of red-crowned cranes in majestic flight or in arresting dance.

The red-crowned crane is a tall white bird with a black neck, black patches on its wings and red on top of its head. It stands almost five feet tall and has long legs and a long beak. They are found year-round on the Japanese island of Hokaido. Another population of cranes breeds in the Soviet Union and Manchuria and winters in coastal China and the Korean peninsula. Marshes and wetlands are needed for red-crowned crane nesting areas in summer, but in winter the cranes migrate to farmlands, coastal marshes and feeding stations. It feeds mostly on wetland plants during the fall, winter and early spring; however, during the breeding season it feeds mostly on insects and other invertebrates. Red-crowned cranes form lifelong breeding pairs and return to the same nest site year after year. They are long-lived, reaching ages of 50-60.

In East Asia, the red-crowned crane is known as a symbol of luck, longevity, fidelity and nobility. From ancient to modern times, the Chinese have been fond of cranes. They have frequently been subjects of Chinese music, poetry and dance, and such crafts as printing, embroidery, and sculpture. However, the abundance of these magnificent birds has gradually been decreasing due to environmental pollution, excessive capture and excessive hunting. The red-crowned crane is now among the most endangered birds in the world, with some 3,000 believed to remain in the wild. It has evolved into a symbol for conservation throughout its range. Throughout the world the decline of cranes represents the entire disappearing wetlands ecosystem.

court dance

Over the course of 14 months in Hokkaido, wildlife photographer Fong Ying-ke often patiently spent countless hours in the early morning, just after sunrise, with his fingers crossed for low temperature of minus 30 degrees Celsius waiting to capture just the right moment, which is what needed for the mist form on the water. These images reveal the crane's behavior that even scientists do not usually see. He took these startling photographs of red-crowned cranes' astounding natural grace while in flight or their carefree wandering around the wetlands from a distance with telephoto lens in order not to disturb these fairy birds. Among the highlights are images of a pair of courting cranes whose gracefulness and intimacy of love that warms the heart and stirs the beat of life, a group of cranes pulling the loose snow off the ground when flying low, a crane raising its head to howl a long cry, and an image of a white tailed eagle flying above a group of cranes ---possibly trying to steal a meal.

"To capture images of the crane, I have traveled to the remote corners of sea and land, endured incredible struggles and hardships," said Fong at the opening of the exhibition, "I still carry no remorse or regrets. I like to convey my views on protecting wildlife and safeguarding nature with my camera. I introduce people into the pure and carefree world of red-crowned cranes through this exhibition, hoping to remind people of these endangered species and to leave them a natural and unpolluted environment," added Fong with enthusiasm for these elegant creatures.