In the Franklin Mountain range lies a most mysterious natural anomaly- Thunderbird Mountain. Getting it’s name from the gigantic, amazing Thunderbird-shaped natural formation of red clay on the mountainside, it’s been there as long as anyone can remember, watching over the Southwestern desert, and it’s legends are many. It is said that the Thunderbird dwells in this mountain range, and indeed, it’s presence in the red clay of the mountainside is unmistakable, guarding the desert landscape, wings outstretched, head turned to the side, an immense, mythical silhouette…
The Great Thunderbird is an American Indian legend; they say the mammoth bird dwells in the mountains; when it comes out to hunt it stirs up violent thunderstorms in it’s wake- lightning flashes from it’s razor-sharp beak and thunderclaps sound from it’s massive wing-beats. The Thunderbird dominated the sky, cloaked in thick, rolling storm clouds. It devoured Killer Whales, swooping down to the water to pluck them up with it’s great talons. It is both feared and revered by the people in the region. Some claim the Thunderbird legend is based in reality. In fact, there have been many “giant bird” sightings throughout history; some have even claimed that these huge mystery birds have carried off small children! So, what is the Thunderbird, exactly- fanciful legend, or cryptozoological mystery? Who can say…