Shooting Sand hill Cranes in the early dawn hours

I will be going out to take some pictures of Sandhill Cranes this Friday morning from a blind on the Platte River. We will be in the blind by 6 am to 8 am obviously we cant use flash. Would any one have any suggestions about how I might get some good pictures. I know I have to increase decrease the shutter speed and increase the ios any other thoughts? Oh Yeah I will be using a monopod also!