New Mexico in Winter

January 5 – 13, 2019

Bryan Calk leads

New Mexico is perhaps one of the most underrated and under-visited states in the US for birding. Its variety of habitats and top-quality birds should make it an obvious choice for any birder. This trip to central New Mexico takes advantage of one of the most diverse portions of the state, and is an area where several hotspots are oases for birds for miles in any direction. This results in world-class concentrations of many species. Winter is an ideal time to visit these areas, when the desert residents intermingle with the visitors from up north.

Snow Geese and Sandhill Cranes at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Rick Bowers ©.

One such location of isolated habitat is Sandia Crest. Its patchwork of open areas and fir forest forms ideal winter grounds for all three North American Rosy-Finch species: the Black, Brown-capped, and Gray-crowned. Often one of the hardest species to find in its range, the Black, is the most common species we will see at feeders. Another famous wildlife concentrator is Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. This managed wetlands along the Rio Grande River in the desert attracts migrating waterfowl and Sandhill Cranes in spectacular fashion.

Black Rosy Finch. Photo by Martina Nordstrand ©.

Besides the fantastic and diverse birds we will see, there will be breathtaking landscapes and other interesting wildlife to observe. Abert’s, Red, and Rock Squirrels, Cliff Chipmunks, and Mule Deer are residents in the ponderosa pine and spruce-fir forests of the mountains, while Porcupines prefer the cottonwood forests of the bosques. Gunnison’s Prairie Dogs, American Pronghorn, Coyotes, and more are possible in the more open country and short-grass prairies. And who knows – we may be so lucky as to see an American Badger or Mountain Lion!

Bryan Calk leads