Sandhill cranes are making a repeat appearance this year thanks to a webcam managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
The department said the best time to view the cranes is just before and after sunrise before the birds head off to feed. They generally return to Whitewater Draw in the late morning. They will remain throughout the day and may be visible on the webcam.
At its peak, the wildlife area is expected to draw 10,000 to 15,000 sandhill cranes. The department first turned on the camera last seasonduring the cranes annual migration to southern Arizona near McNeal. Their migration begins in late October and lasts until March or early April.
The livestream is part of the department’s watchable wildlife program that brings nature to the public. Watchable wildlife program manager Randy Babb said the live-streaming camera provides the public with "an unfiltered view" of the wildlife.
“We want to connect people with wildlife so that even when they’re stuck in the office they can see them,” said Babb. “We really want them to get out and see them in person but this is the next best thing.”
