To non-residents of Arizona, you would think there would be a raging river with the name of Whitewater–but there isn’t. Depending on how much rain southern Arizona receives, there are some ponds where the Snow Geese and Sandhill Cranes spend the winter. They usually reside here from October thru March. Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area is located between Bisbee and Tombstone Arizona in the Sulfur Springs Valley. Since it is about a 2 hour drive from Tucson, we go as often as we can to video and photograph these beautiful birds. This video is a culmination of two years of trips. We are fortunate to be able to get as much footage as we did–many visitors went away empty handed. In addition to the cranes and geese, we were thrilled to see an avolet, white egret, great blue heron, a mated pair of great horned owls, and various ducks. All in all, I’d say we hit the jackpot!

Photographs taken at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area

Great Horned Owl couple roosting in the rafters of an empty hay shed

American Wigeon female--notice her blue bill

American Wigeon male -- the blue on his bill is even brighter

Snow Geese taking off--every little movement spooked them

Landing Gear down-Sandhill Cranes landing

Awww, aren't they cute? Bufflehead male w/juveniles

I don't know what kind of baby duck this is, but it is just adorable!