I always knew he would be Outstanding in his Field. :-)
These large cranes are found during the winter months in the Sulphur Springs Valley area of Southeastern Arizona. They begin to arrive on their migration as early as September and may stay as late as March. Most of the cranes are in the area from November through February. The 2011 Wings Over Willcox festival had Sandhill Crane numbers of 29,900 in the Sulphur Springs Valley. We have been making annual treks to the area the last few years and always have a good time exploring. The cranes are incredible to watch, though I hear some of the locals are less than pleased with the noise they make and all of us visitors cluttering up the area. We have made a couple of treks this year to the Whitewater Draw area with another trip possible depending on work schedule and weather.
Of course there is more to see than just the Sandhill Cranes. The area is home to several species of birds, as well as other wildlife. There are several areas to see the cranes, but Whitewater Draw has always been the best in our experience. The key to it all is to get out and enjoy nature. You never know what you might find.
The incoming flocks of birds looked like gnats...
One minute they were all sitting there resting. The next minute the were spooked and took off in a huge group. Some went on way and some when the other. All circled around for several minutes before coming back to the pond. I thought I saw an eagle, but can not be sure. Bobcats and coyotes also prey on the cranes. What a cool experience! 
Snow geese were in the area as well. They took of as well. 
For more great info check out the following links:
http://www.wingsoverwillcox.com/
http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/wildlife_area_whitewater.shtml
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sandhill_Crane/lifehistory
http://pearcesunsiteschamber.org/portal/AbouttheArea/SandHillCranesandBirding/tabid/68/Default.aspx
I was not sure which image to use as the final...
THE END(s)
6 comments:
Howdy, A very enjoyable, vicarious visit to Whitewater Draw and the cranes and snow geese. It must be a glorious sight,when they all take off into the wild blue yonder! Thanks for sharing - 2011 is folling along real well!
Love, Betty Lou
Wow What a sight the beginning and the end. Just got in from work and what a relaxing way to end the day. thanks for posting such great pics of our wonderful nature and those who live in it. Love Mother
Absolutely fabulous. I could feel the breeze on my face and hear the cranes voices through your photos.
In some photos it looks like Africa. I love to see you outstanding and "outstanding" in your field and the 'end' was so Joellen Brown!
Thanks, T.C., for sharing all of this with the rest of us.
Athena
Glad folks enjoy the shots. Always fun to get down there with the cranes and other critters.
Incredible!!
Linda J.
It is always a pleasure to view TC's photography - he has a good "eye" for framing a picture. Fun to see the views of the cranes in flight.
Carolyn C.
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