Thousands of sandhill cranes return to Arizona. How to see them in person and online

Each fall, as many as 40,000 sandhill cranes migrate to southern Arizona, particularly at the Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area. These ancient birds, believed to be the oldest living bird species, travel from their northern habitats to find food in Cochise County's agricultural fields and wetlands. Wildlife viewing coordinator Cheyenne Towne explains that the cranes follow a biological calendar, arriving by mid to late October. During their four-month stay, they exhibit sophisticated social behaviors, including a distinctive dance that can signify courtship or aggression. This migration phenomenon attracts numerous visitors, who can observe the cranes in person or via livecam.

The best times to see them are during sunrise and sunset, as they take flight in search of food. The annual gathering has become a winter tradition, connecting nature enthusiasts to the region's rich biodiversity. In Arizona, the cranes symbolize the untamed spirit of the natural world, echoing conservationist Aldo Leopold's sentiments.