Birding 339 species, s ecies sp es, es s, ap aapproximately ppro pp r ximate t ly te l 85% 8 % of 85 o the t e bird th r sp rd sspecies ecies e es that h can be b seen in i N New Mexico. M i Over O 20 Bi Birding d di Areas identified. It has been said this area is one of the top birding spots in the nation.
WRiTTeN By JACKie BLURTON, PHOTO By DeBRA SUTTON
Southwest New Mexico has a well-deserved reputation for birding. The lush riparian river valleys, scenic mountains and canyons, and the surrounding grasslands of the Gila National Forest attract about 339 species, approximately 85% of the bird species that can be seen in New Mexico. The scenic byways of Grant County offer beautiful vistas and a variety of habitats you can visit in a leisurely day’s drive. A morning can be spent birding along the Gila River looking for warblers and flycatchers. The afternoon can be spent in the cool pines of Cherry Creek looking for tanagers and yes, more warblers. Birding in Grant County has year-around rewards. In winter there are many locations that offer scenery of beautiful rock formations, sandy washes and hidden springs that are a magnet for wintering birds. Spring migrations begin in mid-to-late April with a flow of migrants up the Gila River Valley. Summer offers excellent birding in the cool forested mountains, as well as the river valleys. A small sampling of the species found here include Montezuma Quail, Common Black Hawk, Red-faced Warbler, Lucy’s Warbler, Olive Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Hepatic Tanager, Vermillion Flycatcher, Stellar’s and Pinyon Jays, Bald and Golden Eagles, American Dipper, Nuthatches, Acorn Woodpeckers, and the Juniper and Bridled Titmouse. Hummingbird species include Allen’s, Black-chinned, Broad-tailed, Calliope, Blue-throated, Magnificent, and Rufous. Put Grant County and the Gila National Forest on your list of birding destinations. - Jackie Blurton
Photo by LeAnne Knudsen
HIGHLIGHTS
Big Ditch Park (Broadway Street) A pleasant place to bird while visiting historic downtown Silver City. Site B1
S26
Lake Roberts (M2224, NM35) High mountain lake, excellent birding for water fowl and mountain species. Site B4
SCENIC TOURS www.ziapublishing.com
Gila Cliff Dwellings Nat’l. Mon. (M43.7, NM15) You can bird on the half-mile walk to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. Site B5
Fort Bayard Wildlife Refuge. (M120.5, US180) Trails in the refuge offer pleasant hiking and opportunities to see elk. Site B6
Black Range (NM152) A beautiful variety of scenery and places to park and bird in the Nat’l. Forest. Site B7
Whitewater Canyon M50.5, US180) Rock walls of this narrow canyon make this a unique birding excursion. Site B11