Sandhill Cranes Return: A Beautiful Symphony Takes Flight at Southern AZ’s Whitewater Draw

Southeast Arizona is currently hosting a spectacular migration of sandhill cranes, attracting thousands of these striking birds to its marshes. According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, their annual return offers an excellent opportunity for birdwatching enthusiasts, enhanced by a live-streaming camera that captures their activities.

Over the next few months, more than 20,000 cranes will gather in the region, accompanied by various waterfowl and wetland species. Jeff Meyers from the Arizona Game and Fish Department remarked, “In my opinion, there just isn’t a better wildlife-viewing opportunity in Arizona.” He emphasized the excitement of witnessing these large birds in person, highlighting the impressive sounds they create.

The cranes choose the milder climate of the Southwest United States for wintering, nesting primarily at the Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area near Douglas. They will inhabit this area until late February to mid-March before migrating northward to breeding grounds in Canada, Alaska, and Siberia.

Meyers noted that the best time to observe the birds via the livestream is early in the morning, although the cranes remain in the wetlands throughout the day and night, alternating between resting and taking flight.

These cranes are known for their cautious behavior, avoiding dense vegetation that may hide predators. Instead, they prefer open spaces where they can spot danger from afar. Meyers humorously described their appearance, likening them to “B-52 bombers” as they fly in formation. “Watching them come in by the thousands or take off is just the single best and most reliable wildlife viewing experience in Arizona,” he added.

Globally, there are 15 crane species, with two—sandhill and the endangered whooping crane—found in North America. Sandhill cranes are the most prevalent type on the continent and consist of six subspecies. The Whitewater Draw is home to three of these: the greater, lesser, and Canadian sandhill cranes, with even the smallest subspecies standing about waist-high to an adult human.

In addition to sandhill cranes, the Arizona Game and Fish Department provides live viewing options for other wildlife, including bald eagles and desert pupfish. While bat viewing is currently off-season, plans are underway to introduce livestreams for hummingbirds and elk in the near future.