Sulphur Springs Valley draws record 36,708 sandhill cranes

PHOENIX – Arizona has a new winter visitor record of the feathered kind — the Sulfur Springs Valley of southern Arizona has drawn an estimated 36,708 sandhill cranes this year, eclipsing the previous record of 31,443 birds set in 2004.

Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists said the Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area, which is operated by the department, also set a record this year with 22,367 sandhill cranes, versus the record set last year of 21,236 birds.

Mike Rabe, a migratory bird biologist with the department, said this year’s high count is probably a combination of factors.  “One reason for the increasing number of cranes in the Sulfur Springs Valley is the consistent habitat (meaning water) that the Game and Fish Department has provided the birds through pumping water at Willcox Playa and at the Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area. Because of those habitats, many cranes that used to continue south into Mexico now stop in Arizona. “

Rabe said another factor is the amount and type of agriculture in the valley. “There is a lot more corn being grown this year than last. Corn production is likely to increase because increasing ethanol production is causing corn prices to go up. Corn is excellent crane food.”

Those factors add up to superb news for wildlife enthusiasts. Seeing hundreds or even thousands of cranes taking to the skies, feeding in the fields or coming in to land is a thrilling sight. Sandhill cranes are large birds; adults have about an 80-inch wingspan and can stand about 47 inches tall.

“With the record numbers of sandhill cranes estimated, there is still plenty of time to see and hear thousands of sandhill cranes. The cranes shouldn’t be leaving the Willcox Playa or Whitewater Draw until mid-late February,” said Joe Yarchin, the department’s watchable wildlife program manager.

Both the Willcox Playa Wildlife Area near Willcox and the Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area near Douglas offer visitors good viewing facilities, including bathrooms.

Crane watching has become an eco-tourism mainstay in southeastern Arizona. In fact, during the Martin Luther King holiday weekend, a popular birding festival called “Wings Over Willcox” attracted participants from 22 states (including Alaska) and three Canadian provinces.

“There is no question that Sandhill Cranes, and other species of birds, have a direct impact on the economy from tourists coming to watch wildlife,” said Homer Hansen with the Willcox Chamber of Commerce.

Hansen said that just from the Wings Over Willcox event alone, surveys show that an estimated $60,000 to $80,000 comes into the local economy from hotel, gas, restaurant, and gift purchases. “We also know that many people come to see the cranes before and after the festival, so this number is only representative of that weekend,” he said.

Another positive economic factor in the area is hunting for waterfowl in general and for sandhill cranes. There is a limited hunting season in November, by draw only, for sandhill cranes. Hunting has a negligible effect on the crane population. The hunt is conservative, well coordinated among the Western states where the cranes migrate, and is designed to minimize disturbance at roosting areas. Sportsmen’s dollars have also been used to help purchase and maintain crucial wetland habitats for cranes, waterfowl and other wildlife.

Directions:

The Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area is located between Bisbee and Elfrida (just north of Douglas) off Davis Road. Take Interstate 10 to Highway 191 (just west of Willcox) and head south to the small town of Elfrida, where you should take Central Highway and continue south to Davis Road, then turn right (west) for about a mile to Coffman Road, then turn left (south) approximately 2.1 miles to the Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area. There is a public restroom, picnic tables, benches, two viewing platforms, interpretive signs, and trails.

The Willcox Playa Wildlife Area is located seven miles south of Willcox in Cochise County, Arizona. From Willcox, take Highway 186 approximately five miles. Turn right (south) on the Kansas Settlement Road for about three to five miles. Watch for the sign. Turn right (west) into the wildlife area parking area. There is an easy walk into the wildlife area.

Viewing tips:

 The best time to be at either of the two Game and Fish Department wildlife areas is at first and last light, although it is possible to see sandhill cranes throughout the day during winter (until mid February).

Cranes typically take off at first light for feeding areas, which are typically agricultural fields in the surrounding area. Cranes are very vocal birds; they are often heard before they are seen. Once you hear the distinctive call (which can be heard for miles), you will never forget it. Listen for the calls to locate birds. During the late morning or early afternoon, cranes will often return to the wildlife area to loaf. During the late afternoon, the cranes typically head to feeding areas once again.

It’s a good idea to bring binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras and bird field guides. Also, don’t forget warm clothing; the Sulfur Springs Valley can be very cold in the morning.