What Else Is At Whitewater Draw?

This gorgeous White-crowned Sparrow was one of dozens of species we saw at Whitewater Draw - in addition to the 10,000 Sandhill Cranes

Tom caught a few good shots of this Savannah Sparrow.

I was extremely proud of myself for sighting a Common Yellowthroat among the weeds.  It wouldn't be a big deal to most birders, but I am absolutely no good at warblers!

There were Northern Shovelers galore.

A couple of Ring-necked ducks.

A few scattered Common Mergansers.

Tons of American Coots were in the marsh.  I like this image because the bird looks like he is smiling.

These are just a few of the dozens of species that can be seen at Whitewater Draw in Southern Arizona.  It is a spectacular birding location with spectacular scenery to boot!

Really Weird Red Crane

According to the Cornell Labs of Ornithology, ' Juvenile Sandhill Cranes have mostly rusty brown upperparts and gray underparts, with no red cap,'  This family photo obviously includes a younger bird.

Actually, ALL Sandhill Cranes are rust colored in the summer months, and they have patches of rust colored feathers all year round.  Usually, however, Sandhill Cranes are mostly gray in the winter months, except for their red crowns.

So, what is the story with this strange looking crane on the right?  It's no juvenile, because it clearly has a red crown.  But it is very different looking then the other 9,999 cranes we saw that day.  (Actually, I might be exaggerating a bit.  I think I saw two of these red cranes out of the 10,000 cranes there!)

He flies just like the other Sandhills.

He looks pretty much like a summer Sandhill Crane, but I still can't figure out why he isn't gray like all the rest.  Any ideas?

Harrier Haven

Whitewater Draw might be famous for it's wintering Sandhill Cranes, but I have never seen so many Northern Harriers in one area.  They were everywhere you looked!

Tom captured this fellow looking for prey.  He is quite intent on his task!

Here You get a glimpse of the Harrier's white marking just above the tail.

But this is a much better view.  If you needed any other clue to identify a harrier (besides the owl-like face and size, that is!),  the white marking would make your Northern Harrier a sure thing!

Not that anyone could resist that face, of course!