Sandhill cranes have finally reappeared in the Sulphur Springs Valley south of Wilcox after making only spotty appearances during their usual arrival period.
The Arizona Daily Star reports that bird-watching visitors to the area were disappointed in October and November when only a few cranes arrived, but thousands have finally descended on southern Arizona.
State wildlife officials say crane sightings have also been intermittent at Whitewater Draw, southeast of Tombstone.
Wilcox Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Alan Baker says the inconsistent migratory patterns of the large birds could be because of the late start to cold weather in mountain states where the birds spend the summer.
