WILCOX, AZ (KGUN) — The Sandhill Cranes are not to be missed. You can’t miss it if you know where to look. They are tall, sing unmistakable songs, and migrate in large herds through southeastern Arizona during the region’s mild winters.

Wings over Wilcox An annual birding and nature festival that celebrates the annual return of cranes to Cochise County. The multi-day festival begins Thursday, January 12th and runs through Sunday, January 15th.

The festival has many characteristics free event As part of four days of birdwatching-related exhibits, lectures and hands-on children’s activities, it aims to educate people not only about Sandhill Cranes, but about other wildlife in the Borderlands and birdwatching in general. increase.

A complimentary 30th Anniversary Reception with live music kicks off this year’s Wings Over Willcox at the Willcox Community Center (312 W. Stewart Street).

Would you like to join the festival? According to the Tucson Audubon Society, the best places to see migratory birds around Southeastern Arizona by March are:

The natural and cultural history of sandhill cranes in southern Arizona goes back at least to early human history in the region. I’m writing the Arizona game and fish division.

Crane populations are said to have declined at the turn of the 20th century, but are now abundant.

Wings over Willcox organizers say attendees can register for excursions, seminars and other activities that are not yet sold out at the in-person registration desks throughout the festival.

Participants can also email info@wingsoverwillcox.com or call (520) 384-2874 for more information.

For more information on Sandhill Crane migration, Absolutely Arizona: A record number of iconic Sandhill Cranes in Southeast Arizona