"Last year there were about 30,000 cranes," said Jim Garrett, Whitewater Draw area manager for the Arizona State Game and Fish Department.

"But it's possible this January it could be down as much as 15,000."

Garrett said a lack of rainfall has lowered the water levels in the flooded grasslands to about 1 ½ feet at its deepest point.

Last year's levels were about 2 ½ feet, and a few years ago they were up to four feet, he said.

Every October, cranes descend upon the grasslands to escape the harsh winters of Siberia, Canada and the northern United States. Every March, they head northward again.

The cranes use the water for protection, and if they don't feel safe, there's a chance they may not come back, Garrett said.

Sheri Williamson, director of the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory, said she's trying to be a bit more optimistic.

"Even in low water levels, the numbers have shifted back and forth," she said.

"But it's possible to have fewer than 15,000, and if we do, that suggests there's an overcrowding for the available water, and the cranes would then move on to Mexico or even east to New Mexico."

Cathy Wise, education director at Audubon Arizona, said losing the birds would hurt more than just the ecosystem.

"They are a magnificent bird," she said. "They are very inspiring to watch, and having (their populations) decline would be terrible."

To help, Garrett said he's planning to repair a well on property near the game and fish department's office, and pump water into the body of water to raise its level.

"It will help a bit, but not much," he said. "Maybe six inches or so."

The lack of cranes could also mean a drop in tourism. Between October and March of last year, some 6,000 tourists came to see the cranes. The yearly average is 5,000, Garrett said.

And lack of tourists means less money spent in the area.

"We get busloads (of tourists) and they buy things like soda and chips so yes, it will affect me, but it won't be critical," said John M. Brya, owner and founder of McNeal Mercantile in McNeal.

IF YOU GO

What: Sandhill cranes
Where: Whitewater Draw, 8512 Coffman Road, McNeal, Ariz.
Details: Viewing is about 100 yards past
address from now until the beginning of March. Bring binoculars because the cranes like to keep at least 250 yards
from people. For more information, call
(520) 642-3763.
About the sandhill crane:
Most sandhill cranes live in freshwater  wetlands. They feed on plants, grains, mice, snakes, insects and worms. They are the world’s most common species of crane.
The average lifespan is about 20 years. They weigh 6 ½ to 14 pounds and their wingspan can reach 6 feet.
Source: National Geographic