Sandhill Cranes and Ghost Towns
by Jim Gressinger on Jan. 21, 2013, under Day/Weekend Adventures, Southern Arizona Birding, Southern Arizona Ghost Towns, Southern Arizona Wildlife, Things To Do In Cochise CountyMs. Karen & I, with friends Gary & Gini, went in search of sandhill cranes yesterday. Found some.
Sandhill Cranes In Formation Over Apache Station Power Plant
Our first stop was at the Apache Station Wildlife Area located along the western edge of the Willcox Playa. While here we could watch many formations of more than a hundred cranes circle and land in the adjacent field.
Sandhill Cranes Landing In Field At Willcox Playa
From the viewing area we had to watch them from a distance. A nice lady came along and told us they had been at Whitewater Draw the previous day and the viewing was much better. We thanked her and headed south about an hour.
Incoming Sandhill Cranes At Whitewater Draw
Whitewater Draw was definitely the better viewing area.
Whitewater Draw. Notice the hawk in the tree.
Sandhill Cranes At Whitewater Draw
When flying in formation and when they first land in the shallow water, these birds produce very LOUD vocalizations. But after about an hour, they settle down and all becomes strangely quiet.
Gary & Gini love ghost towns and had never been to Gleeson. So on our way back to Tucson, we spent some time checking out the ruins and the old Gleeson Cemetery.
Karen, Gary, & Gini at the ruins of the New (1917) Gleeson School.
