Birds, Birds and More Birds!
Birds are rare and beautiful
animals that come in many colors and sizes. There is a wide variety
of birds that you can find in New Mexico. Get a closer look at
these feathered friends of the earth, all around New Mexico.
Please
note: the following bird sanctuaries are in rural areas, so they
are listed by the nearest cities.
ALAMOGORDO
- Oliver Lee Memorial State Park
View roadrunners and other desert
species such as cactus wrens, pyrrhuloxia, crissal thrashers
and verdin. Take US 54 south out of Alamogordo eight and one
half miles from where it branches off from US 70/82. Look for
a sign indicating Oliver Lee State Park on your left, and turn
east. The Sacramento Mountains are just ahead, which is another
site worth visiting. Near Alamogordo, NM (505) 437-8284
- White Sands National Monument - near Alamogordo, and at the northern
end of the Chihuahuan Desert, lies a mountain ringed valley called
the Tularosa Basin. Rising from the heart of this basin is one
of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands
of New Mexico. At first glance, you can't imagine anything lives
there, but you will be amazed! Form birds to bugs, the dunes
are alive. Visitors center, gift shop, museum, various regular
events including midnight strolls through the dunes, moon and
star gazing, and much more. (505) 479-6124 or 679-2599
- Special Events
Schedule
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ALBUQUERQUE
- Río Grande Nature Center State
Park
Migratory bird sanctuary, fauna/flora
exhibits and visitor center. Two miles of nature trails wind
through wooded areas to open sand lots along the Río Grande.
2901 Candelaria NW, Albuquerque, NM (505) 344-7240.
- Belen Waterfowl Area
The Belen Waterfowl Area is 230 acres nestled along the Rio Grande
River south of Albuquerque. This area is primarily set aside
for resting wintering waterfowl. Bird watching is encouraged.
New Mexico - State
Wildlife Agency: 1-800-862-9310.
- Elena Gallegos
Park officials list 199 birds, 34 mammals, and 23 'herp' species
(snakes and lizards) native to the area. Birders can view: Northern
flicker, ladder-backed woodpecker, Gambel's and scaled quail,
greater roadrunner, Brewer's blackbird, Western meadowlark, mountain
and Western bluebird,mourning and rock dove, spotted towhee,
pinon and scrub jay, raven, common bushtit, plain titmouse, and
three wren species (Bewick's, canyon, and rock.) Summer time
brings even more species like the black-throated gray warblerand
much much more! When summer birds leave in the fall, northern
visitors, like the Townsend's solitaire and many others take
their place. Other birds such as the rough-legged hawk, merlin,
and golden eagle have been viewed even though they are uncommon
in this area. For more information, contact the Albuquerque
Open Space Division (505) 873-6620
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ARTESIA
- Huey State Waterfowl Area
3,000 acres of wildlife
viewing. East of Artesia on Pecos River. US 82 and NM 229. (505)
746-4273
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CARLSBAD
- Sitting Bull Falls - 16 miles of hiking trails through
waterfalls, springs and a beautiful canyon. Picnic tables, grills
and restrooms. Camping all around in the Lincoln National Forest
but not at the falls. North of Carlsbad, take Hwy 137 about 25
miles west to Sitting Bull Falls Road. Take that road another
six miles. Day use area open 8am - sunset. $5 per vehicle. For
more information call the Guadalupe Mountains Ranger Center at
(505) 885-4181
- Rattlesnakes Springs
A diverse group of bird
species which includes turkey vultures. Visitor Center. Off US
62/180 about 26 miles south of Carlsbad. (505) 785-2232
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CLAYTON
- Clayton Lake Area
At Perico Creek, there can be occasional-to-good summer viewing
of Swainson's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Long-billed
Curlew, Northern Bobwhite, Scaled Quail, Mourning Dove, Western
and Eastern Meadowlark, Loggerhead Shrike, Lark Bunting, and
Turkey Vulture from mid-April through September.
12 miles northeast of Clayton via NM 370. For more information
contact: (505) 667-2757 or New Mexico Park & Recreation
Division, (505) 374-8808 or the USDA Forest Service, (505)
374-9652 or
New Mexico - State
Wildlife Agency: 1-800-862-9310
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CLOUDCROFT
- Bluff Springs
Numerous bird species including hummingbirds. South of Cloudcroft,
NM. Take U.S. 82 to NM 130 and turn on NM 6563 toward Sunspot,
about eight miles to Río Peñansco Road and turn
left, go another four miles.
(505) 682-2551
- Karr Canyon
A great viewing site for warblers and other bird species. West
of Cloudcroft, NM. Take US 82 east from Alamogordo, 8.5 miles
to High Rolls, another five miles using State Road 63.
(505) 682-2551
CORRALES
- Corrales Bosque Nature Preserve
Hike along the Rio Grande
and watch birds in their natural habitat.
(505) 897-0502
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DULCE
- Jicarilla Lakes Loop
The lake is the largest breeding
area for waterfowl in New Mexico. It's also summer home to numerous
pied-billed and eared grebes, with up to 2,000 grebe nests there
annually. Marsh wren numbers are also increasing, and the local
population of yellow-headed blackbirds continues in abundance.
Migrating bald eagles and golden eagles are also seen here year-round.
A sharp-eyed viewer may even spot a black bear or Peregrine falcon.
Near Dulce, NM, on the Jicarilla Apache Reservation.
Jicarilla Game and Fish: (505)759-3255
ELEPHANT BUTTE
- North Monticello Point
Pelicans, blad eagles
and waterfowl.Corner of Sand and Lake roads.
(505) 744-5421
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FARMINGTON
- Jackson Lake Wildlife Area
Waterfowl fly south in the fall and find a place to rest along
the La Plata River near Farmington.Two large ponds are flooded
in the fall and winter to attract birds. Many songbirds and raptors
can be sighted at the river bottom. No access to refuge but includes
viewpoints from highway and lake. A trail system is being developed
from State Road 170 to the river, to enhance wildlife viewing
opportunities.
(505) 841-8881 or New
Mexico - State Wildlife Agency: 1-800-862-9310
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GRANTS
- El
Malpais National Monument and National Conservation Area
This area is home to many species including: golden eagle, red-tailed
hawk, prairie falcon and great-horned owl. Two State Highways
-- NM 53 on the west side, NM 117 on the east -- provide access
to El Malpais.
The El Malpais Information Center can provide detailed information
and maps. The center has just relocated to a new facility off
NM 53, about 23 miles south of Grants.
El Malpais National Monument Administration, (505) 285-4641;
Information Center, (505) 783-4774; El Malpais National Conservation
Area, (505) 285-5406
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LAS CRUCES
- San Andres National Wildlife Refuge
Refuge supports a population of
state-endangered desert bighorn sheep as well as mule deer, mountain
lions and golden eagles. Thirty eight species of mammals and
142 species of birds have been documented on the refuge.
Take Hwy 70 E to intersection of Santa Gertrudis (between mile
markers 159 and 160). Office is in chain link compound at northeast
corner of intersection (three car shop is in compound with office).
North of Las Cruces.
(505) 382-5047
LAS VEGAS
- Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge
At the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge you will find 8,672
acres of prairie land. The refuge has more than 300 species of
wildlife, including 239 species of birds, and is noted for its
diversity of birds of prey.
Admission is Free. Located 6 miles southeast via Hwy 104 and
281.
Las Vegas, NM
(505) 505-425-3581
Visit other web site about this wildlife refuge: Site
1
- McAllister Lake and Waterfowl Area
With the exception of the lake itself and a surrounding patch
of land the Department has since turned over control of the land
to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which runs the remainder
as a waterfowl refuge. It is home to many migrating flocks of
waterfowl and the commonly seen eagle.
Located by the Las Vegas National Refuge. Six miles southeast
of Las Vegas via NM 104 and NM 281.
(505) 445-2311 or (505) 827-7882 or New
Mexico - State Wildlife Agency: 1-800-862-9310
LORDSBURG
- Guadalupe Canyon
Follow Geronimo Trail
east from Douglas, Arizona for about 25 miles to Guadalupe Canyon
Road. Take a right and continue to the New Mexico state line.
Just past the state line, take a forest service road north for
two miles to the canyon. Note: The entire route from Douglas
is on improved dirt road. In the southwest corner of NM, located
along along the southern border of Coronado National Forest.
South of Lordsburg. BLM Las Cruces District Office: (505)
525-4300
- El Rincón del Oso
Plata
Birdwatching of 265 bird
species, 67 mammal species & 66 reptiles & amphibians.
Located 25 miles northeast of Lordsburg, NM (505) 542-9705
or Burro Mountain Traders, P.O. Box 311, Red Rock, NM 88055 (505)
542-3882
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MANZANO
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MAXWELL
- Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge
Nature photography, fishing, wildlife
viewing and picnicking on grounds. Waterfowl, eagles and prairie
dog town. Two points of access: 2 1/2 miles north of Maxwell
via NM 445 or 2 1/2 miles west of Maxwell via NM 505.
Maxwell, NM
(505) 375-2331
MORA COUNTY
- Charette Lakes Fishing and Waterfowl
Area
At 6,500 feet in elevation, this high mesa was purchased in 1949
to provide fishing opportunity and to provide a resting place
for migrating waterfowl. Charette is actually two lakes, the
upstream lake is about 110 acres in size and the lower one is
approximately 300 acres in size. The larger, lower lake is part
of a waterfowl refuge to provide rest to Canada Geese and other
migrating waterfowl.
New Mexico - State
Wildlife Agency: 1-800-862-9310
PORTALES
- Prairie Chickens Wildlife
Areas
West of Portales, near Milesand. Prairie-chicken hunting season,
wildlife viewing.
(505) 624-6135
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RATON
- Sugarite Canyon State Park "Land
of Many Birds"
This area around Raton, NM, is the site of the only known footprint
of Tyrannosaurus Rex discovered in the world. Bird species
include: the black-headed grosbeak, the belted kingfisher, spotted
sandpiper, great horned owl, Cooper's hawk, barn swallow, downy
and hairy woodpecker, Northern flicker, rufous hummingbird (seasonal
migrant arriving after July 4), broad-tailed hummingbird, spotted
towhee, Western tanager, house finch, gray-headed junco, black-capped
and mountain chickadee, Steller's jay, Western scrub-jay, house
and canyon wrens, and common raven.
At Raton, take I-25, exit 452 to NM 72. Travel east about seven
miles to the junction of NM 526. Take the left fork which goes
uphill. Continue on to the visitor's center and beyond to access
the lakes. Sugarite Canyon State Park, New Mexico Park and Recreation
Division
(505) 445-5607
- Capulin
Volcano National Monument
Mammals, birds, reptiles and other species now make their home
at the sleeping volcano. Capulin Volcano National Monument lies
within a triangle formed by the towns of Folsom, Des Moines and
Capulin, about 30 miles east of Raton. The entrance to the monument
lies three miles north of the junction of US Hwy 64/87 and NM
Hwy 325. Capulin Volcano National Monument (505) 278-2201
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RIO ARRIBA COUNTY
- San Antonio Mountain
This is the home to one of the state's largest elk herds. Wildlife
viewing includes mountain bluebirds (early spring through fall),
rough-legged hawks (winter) and golden eagles (year-round). Antelope
bird species as mallard, American wigeon, Northern pintail, sandhill
crane, common yellowthroat and sora during fall migration; a
few species remain year-round. Located in Carson National Forest.
For more information call: Bureau of Land Management (505)
758-8851; USDA Forest Service (505) 758-8678; New
Mexico Dept. of Game and Fish (505) 445-2311; or the New
Mexico State Land Office (505) 827-5033
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ROSWELL
- Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Migratory fowl. From Roswell, take Hwy 285 north to Pine Lodge
Road,
head east on Pine Lodge Road approximately nine miles to headquarters.
(505) 622-6755
- Bottomless Lakes State Park
Very good shorebird and general birding area. Excellent viewing
of migrating snow geese, northern pintail, American wigeon, gadwall,
mallard, teal species, canvasback and northern shoveler, as well
as sand-hill cranes and Canada geese at the Overflow Wetlands
and on Lazy Lagoon in the park.
Travel 12 miles east of Roswell on US Hwy 380 to top of bluff,
then turn south onto NM Hwy 409 and travel about 3 miles to state
park entrance. To reach Overflow Wetlands, go to Lea Lake area
of the park and continue south for 3.5 miles. Turn right onto
dirt road for 1.75 miles and park.
New Mexico Park & Recreation Division (505) 624-6058
- Chihuahuan Wildlife Mescalero
Sands Recreation Area
This site offers viewing
of the courtship ritual of the prairie chicken. Occasional viewing
of the ladder-backed woodpecker, loggerhead shrike, mourning
dove, scaled quail and Swainson's hawk.
From downtown Roswell, take US Hwy 380 east for 46 miles to the
Mescalero Sands Recreation Area on south side of highway, then
proceed 2 miles east to the Walldrip rest area. Turn left (north)
immediately across from the rest area to enter the Caprock Wildlife
Habitat Area.
Bureau of Land Management
(505) 627-0270
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SANTA FE
- Randall Davey Audubon Center
135 acres of land that sits at the mouth of the Santa Fe Canyon
at 7500 ft.
Located at the east end of Upper Canyon Road, next to the reservoir,
in Santa Fe. Follow Upper Canyon Road, bearing right at the Y
in the road, and going one half mile up the dirt road.
Santa Fe, NM
(505) 983-4609 or e-mail: rdac@trail.com
SILVER CITY
- Chihuahuan Wildlife Heart
Bar Riparian Area
A variety of wildlife animal activity such as black-headed grosbeak,
yellow-breasted chat,
mallard, common merganser and other species. The common black
hawk has been sighted here. Take NM Hwy 15 north of Silver City
about 30 miles. Look for the tiny settlement of Gila Hot Springs
and start counting mileage from the Gila Hot Springs Store. Continue
1.3 miles north of the store to the sign for Little Creek. Just
past sign, pull off road on right and look for a trail encircling
the pond. Another 1.5 miles north along NM 15 look for a dirt
track to the right, just beyond mile marker 41; the track is
flanked by wooden poles on each side.
New Mexico Dept. of Game and Fish (505) 476-8000
- Grey Feathers Lodge - near Lake Roberts. Annual hummingbird
festival and banding events. Lodging and food. Located in the
mountains of the Gila Wilderness in S.W. New Mexico, at an altitude
of 6000 ft. with mild summers and winters. Hc 68, Box 134, Silver
City, NM 88061,stay@greyfeathers.com
(505) 536-3206
SOCORRO
- Bernardo Waterfowl Area
Its 1,573 acres include about 450 acres of crops, cultivated
to provide winter feed for migratory and upland birds that share
corn, grain sorghum and green feed. For those who enjoy bird
watching, this is a fine place to observe waterfowl, cranes and
some upland birds during the fall and winter months. There are
no recreational sites on the management area. 3.75 miles east
of Bernardo, NM (505) 864-9187 or New
Mexico - State Wildlife Agency: 1-800-862-9310
- Bosque
Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
Bosque del Apache is Spanish for "woods of the Apache,"
and is rooted in the time when the Spanish observed Apaches routinely
camped in the riverside forest. Since then the name has come
to mean one of the most spectacular national wildlife refuges
in North America. Here, tens of thousands of birds--including
sandhill cranes, Arctic geese, and many kinds of ducks--gather
each autumn and stay through the winter. Feeding snow geese erupt
in explosions of wings when frightened by a stalking coyote,
and at dusk, flight after flight of geese and cranes return to
roost in the marshes. In the summer Bosque del Apache lives its
quiet, green life as an oasis in the arid lands that surround
it. Many trails and events, including the Festival of the Cranes
annually in November. From Socorro, take I- 25 south to exit
139 (San Antonio). Drive eight miles south on NM Hwy 1 from village
of San Antonio. Approaching refuge from the south, take I-25
exit 124 (San Marcial) and go nine miles north on NM Hwy 1 to
entrance.
(505) 835-1828
- La Joya Waterfowl Area
Crops grown just for birds on 3,550 acres along the Rio Grande.
I- 25, Exit 169, just north of Socorro, then seven miles south
of Bernardo on NM 304, in La Joya, NM
(505) 864-9187
- Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge - Located in the Chihuahuan desert 20
miles north of Socorro. The refuge has a fascinating and long
history and is managed primarily as a research area, and is closed
to most recreational uses. However, limited waterfowl and dove
hunting is available, and special tours including environmental
education programs for students, may be arranged by contacting
the refuge at (505) 864-4021
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THOREAU
- Rice Park
Migratory waterfowl and
elk in the Cíbola National Forest. From Thoreau, head
southwest 10 miles on NM 612,
turn on State Road 569, then drive seven to eight miles to Rice
Park.
(505) 287-8833
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TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES
- Percha Dam State Park
A premier birding spot in the 75-mile
region between the towns of Truth or Consequences and Las Cruces.
A variety of birds dwell in this area including black phoebes,
northern orioles, western kingbirds and black-headed grosbeaks.
Take I-25 south from Truth or Consequences 18 miles, Exit 59
(look for the sign that reads Caballo and Percha Dam State Parks).
Once you get off the interstate, a sign directs you to the right
– west – to Percha Dam. A sign 0.8 mile ahead will
put you on a dirt road to the left. Follow this road, staying
to the right at a fork 0.4 mile ahead, for a total of 1.2 miles.
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