Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area

   In southeastern Arizona a former cattle ranch has been managed as a wildlife refuge only since 1997. The major attraction from October to February is the chance to see 30,000 or more sandhill cranes. Even if you would be embarrassed to call yourself a "bird watcher," you ought to go. In addition to the cranes there are significant populations of waterfowl and other wildlife. When we arrived, the real bird watchers were distracted by the chance to see a little black phoebe. Never mind all those cranes and snow geese and....
   At the entrance to the wildlife viewing area was a sign proclaiming "Overnighting Permitted." So we did. Which turned out to be a good thing not only because a norther harrier chased a rabbit near where we parked. The cranes feed during the day in neighboring corn fields (Yes, there are corn fields in Arizona) and begin returning in late afternoon. They tend to arrive in waves, squawking loudly to announce their arrival. Just after dawn, in contrast, it is as if they all hear the same work whistle, get up and leave in one huge evacuation. So, pretend you are not really a bird watcher but just wanted to see what all the fuss was about.

Lots of snow geese in addition to cranes.

Towards sunset, the cranes wade out into the playa, or lake, seeking safety from predators.

Even after the cranes went to bed, Whitewater Draw was a great place to spend the evening.