USA Lake Cochise Cranes

Willcox in south-east Arizona has a small lake on the edge of the town. My surprise on arrival in the evening in the second week of March could hardly be greater: there was not much more to see of the lake's water than the edge. Thousands of cranes were standing and scurrying in the shallow water, close together. I have seen cranes a few times on my travels, but never nearly as many. And they have never let me get as close as here. The water gave them protection from predators at night, too. I only occasionally saw the famous mating dance. There were often small fights over the feeding area.

A dirt road runs along the shore around the lake. Alongside this road are countless good options for overnight pitches.