Latest update: 15 Jan 2013

Family: Cranes (Gruidae)
Genus & Species : Grus canadensis
Status: Common but localized winter visitor from late October through early March in Imperial County, CA and southern Arizona.
Habitat: These stately birds usually feed on grain and are often found in fields with left-over millet, sorghum, corn, and other seed crops. They're also partial to granneries in the winter.
Seen recently at: Unit 1 of the Salton Sea NWR and Lake Cochise in SE AZ.
Best Chances: These large impressive cranes are common in several spots in southern California and Arizona from the end of October through early March.
1) In California, easiest to see at Unit 1 of the Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR, along the north end of Vendel Road.
2) In western Arizona, they are regular winter visitors to Cibola NWR, 60 miles north of Yuma, AZ.
3) In southeastern Arizona look for huge flocks in the Sulphur Springs Valley, especially in areas like Lake Cochise.