We were projected to get 1/2″ of snow, so weren’t we surprised when we got over 8″ of snow?
It came down in large soft flakes, covering the trees and the landscape. It was absolutely beautiful.
We were fortunate enough to get animals during… and after the snowfall.
Which we tried to take great advantage of.
It was amazing how quickly the snow came in… and how fast it was gone. Spring is coming and our snow season may be on the way out.
I’d be happy for a few more snow storms before Spring enters the foray. There is something surprisingly peaceful and beautiful about the fresh fallen snow. If we are to endure the cold… give me snow!
After a successful shoot at Whitewater Draw, I wanted to check out the eagles in Pinetop / Lakeside.
Generally, their season is between November through March. But, as with all wildlife, they don’t follow a precise schedule and don’t necessarily indulge in our guidelines.
I have previously enjoyed watching eagles catch fish and hang out among the many trees around Rainbow Lake. On my recent outing I was fortunate to see a few bald eagles and a couple juvenile eagles. None seemed to be inclined to fish, and were merely hanging out.
It would appear that I was too late for this year’s season. Though, who’s to say, if I came back tomorrow I might find a myriad of eagles fishing to their heart’s content. Such is the nature of the beast.
No matter, I got a few nice pix, and a wonderful day out. It’s all good.
What do they say? Birds a feather flock together. That is no more true than at Whitewater Draw, where thousands (we heard numbers anywhere between 20,000 and 47,000) sandhill cranes flock to this lush marshland in southern Arizona.
But it’s not just sandhill cranes. The area is rich with all sorts of birds, including the blue, green, and cinnamon -winged teals, Northern pintails, red-winged blackbirds, Northern shovelers, grebes, egret, hawks and owls.
Cinnamon teal at Whitewater DrawGreen-winged tealNorthern shoveler rests in water at Whitewater Draw
We saw birds I never heard of, like the colorful Vermillion Flycatcher and Northern Harrier.
Vermillion FlycatcherJuvenile vermillion flycatcher in the weeds along Whitewater Draw
Not to mention the very entertaining sandhill cranes.
Sandhill crane graze at Whitewater DrawSandhill cranes chatter
Whitewater Draw has had increasing numbers of sandhill cranes year over year. This area is the best sandhill crane-viewing site in Arizona, and one of the largest migration sites in the country. It’s a thrilling sight to see and experience.
kritterspaw 