When I looked out the window and saw Lark's present I grabbed some clothes and boots, two dogs and my camera. I know the snow dusting everything would not last for long. As soon the the sun, wind and temperatures all gained strength the magic would be gone. But in the meantime the desert look different under the dusting.
Audrey had to remind Lark that yes they were still cactus and maybe she should be careful.
After our walk we headed back to the rig and stayed warm for several hours. Later, I texted Beth to see if she wanted to go with us to visit Whitewater Draw. This area is known for hosting huge flocks of cranes and some other migratory birds. Beth has been here many time and even boondocked out in the small parking lot. Given the chilly temperatures and the wind today it was not a campsite either of us would have wanted to park out in.
Given the blustery weather the cranes were here but hunkered down. So I didn't expect to see any mass fly in or fly out, which is what people come to observe. The amazing thing for me was to think about all the hundreds of miles in this area of Arizona and this relatively small area of wetlands is where these thousands of cranes come back to each year. Granted Arizona probably doesn't have many environments conducive to support so many birds but still that they are here in the middle of nowhere is striking.
On warmer days there would probably have been multiple cameras and people sitting and standing around waiting. Waiting for the cranes to take flight. This couple was planning on waiting the afternoon for the perfect shot.
Birds where ever you look.
It was Lark's birthday but Lark graciously invited Audrey to come on the ride-along with her. Beth kindly offered to be her walker. As Beth noticed, Audrey went to sleep as soon as she got in the car and didn't get up until we arrived. Yes, Audrey is the perfect ride along dog.
"I'll just tuck my head under my wing. Wake me when the wind die down....."
The little brown ducks were over in the other area on their own.
There is always one. That white duck near the center bottom of the picture.
On the walk back to the parking area I noticed a water pump bringing water into the wet lands. Not a bad idea and a good reason for the cranes to keep finding their way back to this area.
"Lets walk over to the large pavilion," says Beth. There is usually an Owl perched in there. It took a minute to locate the owl. Beth said that the owl is usually just perched on a beam at the far end. This time there was a nest on the other end right up in the peak. It was difficult to even tell if there was something in the nest but both Beth and I saw something moving. Luckily I brought the good camera today. Does this tell you anything about the gusty winds today?
Good Night Moon. Tomorrow is another day.
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