Two cold, fog-filled days in the Sacramento Delta made for difficult photography, but unforgettable moments. The Sandhill Cranes emerged from the mist like silhouettes from another time, their calls echoing across the wetlands long before they could be seen. Watching them forage and preen in the quiet marshes was a reminder that some experiences are worth the discomfort—and that these fragile wetlands remain essential refuges along an ancient migration route.

The San Francisco Bay Area is often known for its abundant sunshine, but local photographers know that a cold, foggy morning offers a unique, atmospheric canvas for wildlife photography. Recently, in early December, I ventured out to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge with my camera gear to put this theory to the test.