Whitewater Draw - March 11, 2025

 For a change of pace, and a chance to see some different birds, I went to Whitewater Draw recently.  If you don't remember, this is a state-managed wildlife area that attracts a variety of song birds and waterfowl, but is especially known for wintering Sandhill Cranes.  During the peak of winter, estimates are that some 20,000 to 30,000 plus cranes can be found here.  Most have already gone north, but several hundred are still around.

Since I was too lazy to carry my longest lens, I missed getting photos of quite a few species that were just too far away for  the equipment I had with me.  However, I did get enough to share, so here goes.

Two flocks of cranes, about 100 birds in each, flew right at me and then over my head.  I had no time for adjusting camera settings, so  I just fired away with what I had.  The result was mixed, with nothing outstanding but some decent photos.  I hope you can still enjoy them because the cranes truly are magnificent creatures.









Chihuahuan Meadowlark

Snow Goose

Least Sandpiper

White-crowned Sparrow (J)

Black Phoebe

Red-winged Blackbird (F)

Northern Shoveler (M) 

Northern Shoveler (F)

Lincoln's Sparrow

Mallards (M & F)

Green-winged Teals (F & M)

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