Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area - 1/22/15

Discovering this area today was one of those totally, unexpected, amazing experiences. Seeing thousands and thousands of cranes in one location was phenomenal. The sounds they made were loud, and very distinctive. I will never forget it.

Whitewash Draw was established as a state Wildlife Area in January of 1997 when the wetland area was purchased with both Federal and state funding.

Entrance to wildlife viewing area.

Purchasing the land was an important step in assuring that the wetlands remain in tact for the waterfowl and other wildlife that thrive here.

At first it looked like just a gray mass of something in the distance, although they could be heard from quite a distance.

But as you get closer and see the individual cranes and interaction between them, it is mesmerizing. When we first arrived the sandhill cranes were in the shallow water and shores of the wetlands. They spend the night standing in the water to evade predators. Each morning they fly out for food and socializing, returning to this same location in the afternoon.

When we saw them suddenly take flight, it left me speechless! The beauty and grace of these large birds in flight was a vision of beauty to behold.

Other birds migrate to this area as well. Below is a photo of two trumpeter swans (in foreground). They are often seen traveling with the sandhill cranes.

Also, a variety of ducks make this area their winter home.

We learned about this place from the man in the Tombstone Visitor Center. We had stopped there on the 1/20 to obtain information about the local area. He drew us a map on the back of the map of Tombstone with directions on how to find Whitewater Draw. I had not previously heard about about this Wildlife area.

A three-day stay for camping or RV parking is permitted as well (no hookups). There is a parking area in the same location. It is from this point that you can follow a trail out into the wetlands area where there are interpretive signs and benches for birdwatching (or relaxation) along the way. The area was beautiful in the afternoon sun.

If you are in the Tombstone area during the winter months, be sure to make the drive (about 20 miles) to visit Whitewash Draw.

Website: www.azgfd.gov