Clouds of Cranes

By Chris Rohrer



Winter is the perfect time to search for favorites like the Sprague's Pipit, Ruddy Ground Dove, Bell's Sparrow, Eurasian Wigeon, Mountain Plover, or Sandhill Cranes. This past weekend, we headed out to the Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area for my yearly crane count and we were not disappointed!

Over the years, the wintering Sandhill Crane population has increased dramatically at Whitewater Draw, making it a premier Southeast Arizona birding destination. There are two great times to observe these spectacular birds: the sunrise liftoff and the noon return, which happens around 11 am when the birds return to the wetlands for the day.

If you're an early morning riser (I am not!), the sunrise liftoff is a wildlife experience that should not be missed. Don your cold weather gear and arrive before the sun comes up. When the birds feel the time is right, they all take flight in a mass of flapping wings and honking calls. After feeding in the surrounding corn fields all morning, the cranes return in large and small groups, starting around 11 am and continuing throughout the day. Often the skies were full of cranes! I estimated at least 6000 birds, but there were definitely more as we were leaving.

One other thing! If you see a flock of Snow Geese at the Whitewater Draw, don't assume they are all Snow Geese. There could be a Ross's Goose or two mixed in!

While you’re at Whitewater Draw, keep your eyes open for other birds such as a rare Ruddy Ground Dove, or Great Horned and Barn Owls. I suspect there could even be a secretive Short-eared Owl hiding in those grasses.

Great Horned Owl

My annual crane count makes for a great Southeast Arizona day of adventure. On the way back to Tucson, I usually make a stop in Bisbee for lunch and then take a bird walk at the San Pedro House. This visitor center and trail system is part of the San Pedro River Riparian National Conservation Area east of Sierra Vista and is a perfect place to end your birding day.

Ending the birding day along the San Pedro River

On a side note, I'm excited to be writing for Tucson Audubon and sharing my love for Southeast Arizona’s birds with you all. Until next time everyone! Happy birding!

Chris Rohrer is an avid birder and traveler. When he's not working his full time job as a teacher, he volunteers for Tucson Audubon, does part-time guiding, and writes for his weekly blog Las Aventuras.