Common Crane (Grus grus), Cochise Lake in Willcox, Cochise County

This Common Crane was discovered at Willcox mixed in with Sandhill Cranes in the afternoon of 27 November, and photographed by Diane Drobka, Gary Rosenberg, and Chris Benesh on 28 November 2020

Distinctive patterned species. Larger than Sandhill Crane with distinct black and white patterned head, black throat, and overall lighter gray coloration in direction comparison with Sandhills. In flight, darker inner primaries and broader, more contrasty dark tipping to secondaries also evident.

This represents a second Arizona record; the previous Arizona record was the summering bird at Mormon Lake that has returned 2 out of the last 3 summers.

28 November 2020, photo by Diane Drobka

28 October 2020, photo by Gary Rosenberg

28 November 2020, photo by Chris Benesh

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