It Sounds like Dinosaurs Flying through the Skies

Sandhill Crane parents and hatchlings about a week old in 2008 Tequesta Florida photo by Ed Weigand

The Sandhill Crane species has been a success story, especially in the last fifty years with

growing populations across most territories, including the southwestern states. The unique

combination of warmer temperatures, shallow wetlands and nearby harvested fields is where

these magnificent birds will rest and feed for the winter before a long migration back north.

Arizona has one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in our country. Nature’s forces over

millions of years have carved out a variety of habitats including the mountains, rivers, prairies

and valleys. Only recently, in geologic terms, the last fifteen thousand years or so has the climate

warmed and the southwestern deserts formed. The Sonoran Desert, receiving the most moisture

of all deserts, harbors unique and endemic species found nowhere else on our planet. Other

migratory species spend their winters here much like those of us humans that travel from far and

wide to winter in the warmth of the sun.

Today we have a thriving worldwide population with estimates of 500,000 or more, Canadian

Sandhill Crane (G. c. rowani) Greater Sandhill Crane (G. c. tabida) and the Lesser Sandhill

Crane (G. c. canadensis) along with subspecies of Sandhill Cranes. They migrate and live across

the continents and breed through northern parts of the United States, Canada as far north as

Siberia, while wintering in places like Arizona, CA, TX, FL and Mexico. Other species are non-

migratory such as the Florida, Cuban, and Mississippi subspecies of Sandhill Cranes that make

permanent residences in these areas.

The Southern Arizona winter crane population has been steadily increasing since the restoration

of a 1500 acre cattle ranch in the late 1990’s. It provides a unique wetland habitat perfect for

Sandhill Cranes to roost by the thousands keeping warm and protected from predators. Hunting

regulations, protected habitat and harvested agriculture are the critical resources for long-term

survival of these species.

Estimates range from 30 to 50 thousand cranes roosting in the area with the largest percentage at

Whitewater Draw’s 1500 wetland refuge near the Mexican border. Many other migratory

waterfowl including ducks, geese, herons, and egrets utilize the important wetlands at

Whitewater Draw Refuge while the riparian woodlands provide homes to many migratory birds

such as orioles, vireos, warblers, flycatchers, tanagers buntings and sparrows. With the large

numbers of waterfowl brings winged birds of prey as well. Golden eagle, prairie and peregrine

falcons, coopers, harrier and red tailed hawks find abundant prey here during winter months.

The migrating flocks head south and spread out from Florida to California for warmer wintering

grounds where agriculture and wetlands provide critical resources. The unique connection

between agriculture and migrating wildlife has helped some Sandhill Crane species and many

other species of wildlife thrive in recent years. Many farmers and ranchers working with

conservation groups and the state provide wetland areas and protection for the many species of

native and migratory wildlife that find a winter home in Arizona.

It had been 3 years since I left our non-migratory species of Sandhill Crane in Tequesta, Florida

having no idea I would get a chance to see these magnificent and beautiful creatures out here in

the West. This place is the special winter home of massive numbers of Sandhill Cranes and I am

filled with excitement as I reach the destination.

The air filled with primordial shrieks and shrills, sounding like creatures from Jurassic Park. A

large and boisterous population of Sandhill Cranes have found their way home for the winter.

The Whitewater Draw Refuge near the Mexican border of SE Arizona bustles with life.

12-15-2013-Whitewater Draw Wildlife Refuge-7:15 am photo by Ed Weigand

It is a cold December morning. I’m completely alone, no other human around, feeling like an

interloper to a special and secret place. The sun had not yet risen, my body freezing cold even

with layers of clothing, a hat and gloves. I slowly made my way the 200 yards to the viewing

platform unable to see what was about to unfold in front of my eyes.

As the sun appeared, accompanied by the deafening sound of thousands of Sandhill Cranes heard

for miles around. The sounds grew louder, yet I could see nothing. The shrubs and the darkness

surrounding the wetlands provided cover for the flock. Camera ready, I slowly approached the

open platform to view the most amazing and unique sight of my life.

There were more birds than I could have imagined taking 12 photos horizontally across the

wetlands to capture the entire flock. The sky now lighting up and reflecting the pond as I

watched the beginning of a spectacle everyone should experience at least once in their life.

.

Whitewater Draw 7:25 am Sunday 12-15-2013 photo by Ed Weigand

I had to catch my breath from the cold and excitement as my whole body shook.

There, watching and filming, as flocks of 50 to 100 birds took off precisely as the sun began

rising around 7:10 on this special December morning.

Calling, dancing, and communicating in perfect harmony amongst utter chaos, these birds

magically and gracefully began appearing in the air as they began their daily journey, constantly

communicating with each other to reach the nearby fields for a day of feasting and play. The sky

filled with an ever-changing pattern of flight. Thousands of Sandhill Cranes exploding from the

wetlands, the contrast of the rising sun, blue sky and the flock of long thin bodies, necks

outstretched, filled the sky with poetry in motion unlike anything else.

Each flock knows their destiny. Sandhill Cranes, like many bird species, make these yearly

migrations spanning thousands of miles. Some species mate for life and will make the long

journey with offspring teaching them the critical routes and resources needed for a dangerous

and challenging migration.

Video and pictures do no justice, but the feeling will remain etched in my thoughts forever. I

experienced the largest congregation of wildlife I had ever had the opportunity of viewing. It felt

to me like how Aldo Leopold and John Muir so eloquently described the grandiose flocks of

birds and the herds of mammals that roamed the country so long ago.

With the help of the Endangered Species Act in 1972, environmentalist, wildlife biologist, state

agencies and non-profit organizations across the globe, this species has made a remarkable

comeback. One I hope will carry on for many generations with the cooperation and protection of

the important migratory habitats, and breeding grounds so critical for the survival of the Sandhill

Crane and so many other species resident or migrator that spends time here in the desert.

I felt fortunate to spend the morning with these majestic icons, which only one hundred years

ago were on the brink of extinction. It was 8:10am when I finished watching this surreal sight,

the wetlands now almost empty, the Sandhill Cranes gone, the wetlands silent until tonight when

the thousands come home again.

I walked back to the warmth of my car and a long ride back to Phoenix knowing that I had

experienced a rare and special sight. I felt a renewed hope and confidence that we will protect

our precious wildlife and habitats for our children and grandchildren to experience. The news

looks hopeful for the Sandhill Crane and much of Arizona’s rich biodiversity as more and more

people see the importance of protecting critical habitats for all species.

Arizona provides wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers an endless bounty of flora and fauna to

explore. Check out some of the links below and take time to venture out, explore and become

involved in ways to protect the incredible biodiversity of plants and animals here in the Sonoran

Desert. We live in the most diverse desert in the world!

Each of us can make a difference in our daily interactions?

Listed below are some local, global and child environmental resources to learn more about

conservation opportunities in our daily lives.

BE PART OF THE SOLUTION! Links to popular Arizona Organizations and Opportunities: http://cnuw.scottsdalecc.edu/ http://www.libertywildlife.org/ http://azgfd.gov/ http://desertriversaudubon.org/ http://mcdowellsonoran.org/#sthash.NAfJXJYx.dpbs http://arizona.sierraclub.org/ http://www.southwestwildlife.org/ http://www.sonorandesertfriends.org/ http://worldwildlife.org

Citizen and Children’s Resources: http://web4.audubon.org/educate/kids/ http://www.epa.gov/students/index.html http://greenplanet4kids.com/ http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/

Sources:

Arizona Wildlife Viewing Guide

Copyright 2007 by Watchable Wildlife Inc.

Published by Adventure Publications Inc.

USGS and Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

URL: http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/about/index.htm Photos by Ed Weigand all media in any form copyrighted JOJ&W LLC