Birding Hot Spots of Santa Fe, Taos, and Northern New Mexico
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Birding Hot Spots of Santa Fe, Taos, and Northern New Mexico
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Overview
In their second guide to birding in New Mexico, Judy Liddell and Barbara Hussey share their experiences and intimate knowledge of the best places to find birds in and around Santa Fe and other areas in northern New Mexico. Following the same format as their book on the Albuquerque area, the authors describe 32 sites organized by geographic regions. Along with a general description of each area, the authors list target birds; explain where and when to look for them; give driving directions; provide information about public transportation, parking, fees, restrooms, food, and lodging; and give tips on availability of water and picnic facilities and on the presence of hazards such as poison ivy, rattlesnakes, and bears. Maps and photographs provide trail diagrams and images of some of the target birds and their environments. A “helpful information” section covering weather, altitude, safety, transportation, and other local birding resources is included along with an annotated checklist of 276 bird species seen with some regularity in and around Santa Fe.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781623492540 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Texas A&M University Press |
| Publication date: | 10/30/2013 |
| Series: | W. L. Moody Jr. Natural History Series , #51 |
| Pages: | 304 |
| Product dimensions: | 6.30(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.80(d) |
About the Author
JUDY LIDDELL is a freelance writer, teacher, blogger, and board member of Audubon New Mexico and the Central New Mexico Audubon Society, as well as president of the New Mexico Audubon Council. BARBARA HUSSEY is former president, board member, birding field trip leader, and newsletter editor for the Central New Mexico Audubon Society. Liddell and Hussey live in Albuquerque and are coauthors of Birding Hot Spots of Central New Mexico.
Read an Excerpt
Birding Hot Spots of Santa Fe, Taos, and Northern New Mexico
By Judy Liddell, Barbara Hussey
Texas A&M University Press
Copyright © 2015 Judy Liddell and Barbara HusseyAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-62349-258-8
CHAPTER 1
North-Central New Mexico's Geography and Habitats
North-central New Mexico is a lure for those who love the outdoors. It has a number of nationally known tourist destinations and boasts a list of 276 species of birds seen on a regular basis, including Bald and Golden Eagles, Lewis's Woodpecker, Pinyon Jay, Evening Grosbeak, and Dusky Grouse. The described hot spots are clustered into eight geographic areas: greater Santa Fe area, greater Taos area, Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway and nearby areas, Jemez Mountains and Los Alamos, along the Rio Chama, Cochiti Lake area, along the upper Pecos River, along I-25 north of Santa Fe, and two high-elevation locations for specialty birds. Sites covered in this guide are located in seven counties: Sandoval, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Taos, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, and Colfax.
Geography
The geography of north-central New Mexico is dominated by the rugged and majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southern portion of the Rocky Mountains, with seven peaks towering over 13,000 feet. Sangre de Cristo is the Spanish term for "blood of Christ," reflecting the color the mountains assume at sunset.
Rivers are also an important part of north-central New Mexico's geography. The Rio Grande, which originates in southwestern Colorado, is considered the lifeblood of New Mexico and enters the state north of Taos, where it meanders through the deep canyons of the Rio Grande Gorge, the Española Valley, and south through Cochiti Pueblo. The Rio Chama, the third-largest tributary of the Rio Grande, also originates in southern Colorado and winds through New Mexico along the eastern edge of the Colorado Plateau through sandstone canyons and Abiquiu Lake, before entering the Española Valley, where it joins the Rio Grande at the location of the first European settlement in the Southwest. The Pecos River, also a tributary of the Rio Grande, does not flow into the Rio Grande until after it reaches Texas. Its headwaters are in the Pecos Wilderness high country in the Sangre de Cristos. It flows through the upper Pecos River Valley, crosses Interstate 25, and then snakes through the Villanueva State Park's sandstone cliffs before entering the Great Plains.
Vegetation Zones and Habitats
Birdlife is closely connected to habitat. Various factors affect the type of vegetation and habitat throughout this area. Elevation, latitude, exposure, prevailing winds, temperature, and rainfall contribute to this diversity. For example, a vegetation type on the south side of a slope will occur at a higher elevation than on the north side. Visitors to northern New Mexico are often puzzled when they encounter habitats and bird species at different elevations than they might be used to. For instance, the plateau north of Taos contains Great Basin shrub-grassland and piñon-juniper habitats; surprisingly, the road to the Red River Fish Hatchery descends into ponderosa pine habitat, which is usually at a higher elevation than piñon-juniper.
For conservation purposes, north-central New Mexico is part of the Southern Rocky Mountains Ecoregion. A variety of terminology is used to define habitats or vegetation zones. The New Mexico Avian Conservation Partners, a collaboration of more than 14 governmental and nonprofit organizations, plus university and private researchers, recognizes the following 15 vegetation zones in north-central New Mexico, each defined by its characteristic dominant plants. Some site descriptions refer to ecotones that occur when habitats overlap and species intermingle.
* Alpine tundra: Vegetation at elevations generally over 11,500 feet is dwarfed and gnarled and often referred to as Krummholz. It is found on Santa Barbara Ridge.
* Spruce-fir forest: The dominant plant species are Engelmann spruce, blue spruce, bristlecone pine, and corkbark fir. It can be found at the Santa Fe Ski Area and Taos Ski Valley.
* Mixed conifer forest: The primary plant species are Douglas-fir, white fir, ponderosa pine, aspen, water birch, Rocky Mountain juniper, and southwestern white pine. Examples include Aspen Vista Picnic Area, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Apache Creek. Some areas within mixed conifer forests contain large stands of aspens, most of which originated from fire events that decimated the conifers. Aspen is one of the first trees that emerges after a fire, sprouting from dormant rootstock. Other aspen groves border alpine meadows that were heavily grazed by livestock.
* Transition zone or ponderosa pine forest: The trees include ponderosa pine in an open forest with grassy openings, Gambel oak, western chokecherry, and New Mexican locust. Sites with this type of habitat include Black Canyon Campground along Hyde Park Road, Cimarron Canyon State Park, and Jemez Falls.
* Piñon-juniper woodland: The dominant tree/shrub/plant species are piñon pine, juniper, Apache plume, mountain mahogany, and four-wing saltbush. This habitat can be found at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument: Wild Rivers, areas along the Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River, and Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument.
* Montane riparian: This habitat occurs as a narrow, often dense grove of broad-leaved, deciduous trees. Holy Ghost Campground is an example of this type of riparian area.
* Montane shrub: This habitat is a patch or a strip within other more extensive types of vegetation, such as a wash, arroyo, or escarpment, where there is less available moisture than in surrounding areas. Sections of montane shrub occur along Rio Grande del Norte National Monument: Orilla Verde.
* Middle-elevation riparian: This is a tree- and/or shrub-dominated area along a river or stream, including the cottonwood bosque (Spanish for "woodlands"). Examples include Ohkay Owingeh Fishing Lakes along the Rio Grande and Villanueva State Park.
* Subalpine wet meadow: This habitat is a seasonally wet area at high elevations below the tree line. Examples include the meadow at Valles Caldera, Jacks Creek Campground, and areas in the Taos Ski Valley.
* Montane grassland: This habitat is found at high elevation in the upper areas of the Valles Caldera National Preserve and at Jacks Creek.
* Emergent wetlands and lakes: These include both seasonal and permanent wetlands as well as ponds and lakes. Examples occur at Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge, Monastery Lake, and Fred Baca Park.
* Great Basin shrub: This is a high-desert habitat in areas that experience snow during the winter and is dominated by a variety of sages. It can be found along Forest Road 151 near Abiquiu Lake and on the mesa north and west of Taos.
* Upland desert scrub (referred to in this guide as desert scrub): This habitat is dominated by sand sagebrush in combination with other shrubs and cacti, such as four-wing saltbush, chamisa (rabbit brush), prickly pear, and cholla cactus. While not prevalent in north-central New Mexico, it can be found along the road to the Tetilla Peak Recreation Area and near La Cieneguilla Marsh.
* Plains-mesa grassland: This type of habitat, sometimes referred to as shortgrass prairie, is primarily grasses, such as blue grama and buffalo grass, and is found near sites along I-25.
* Agricultural: This habitat includes areas where crops are planted and harvested. Sites with agricultural areas include Peña Blanca and the roads into El Vado and Heron Lake State Parks.
The vegetation in north-central New Mexico is undergoing change because of gradually warming temperatures. Several site descriptions include mention of damage or changes as a result of recent wildfires. These fire events that are the most obvious result of forest change are only part of the story. While north-central New Mexico has had alternating wet and dry periods over time, the drought that started in 2000 (and continued through the time this guide was written) has lasted longer and has had more drastic effects on forest habitats than in the past. According to climate scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory, located in this region, forest changes are accelerating. Even during years with the same amount of rain and snowpack as the area experienced in the past, trees are still dying off because temperatures are warmer. As a result of these changes, habitats described in the guide, and their accompanying bird species, may look different in the future.
CHAPTER 2Helpful Information
How to Use This Guide
The guide includes nine chapters devoted to distinct areas within north-central New Mexico. Each description includes a general account of the highlights of the site and recommended route; counties covered; Internet website or Facebook page, if available; target species; listing of other birds that might be seen by season; driving directions; public transportation route, if available; fees; special considerations and hazards; facility information, including information about accessibility for people with varying abilities; availability of restrooms, water, and picnic facilities; and general information on the nearest gas, food, and lodging.
Target Birds
Target birds are those that local birders have suggested are the species that visitors to an area are most interested in viewing. The seasons for each of the sites are broken down into winter (generally December–March), summer (June–August), and migration, which can overlap these two seasons. Spring migration can begin for some species toward the end of February and continue through May. Fall migration can begin as early as mid-July and finish toward the end of November, depending on the species. As you read the list of species at a specific site and find one that is a target species for you, we recommend that you consult the annotated checklist near the end of the book, where specific months are provided for arrival and departure.
eBird Hotspots
Some site descriptions list eBird Hotspots associated with it, not only to assist you in more easily checking on recent sightings but also to encourage you to enter your sightings in existing Hotspots. The Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society launched eBird in 2002 on the Internet to provide a way for "citizen scientists" (all birders) to contribute to the knowledge base of bird distribution and abundance and has continued to evolve. To obtain current information on eBird Hotspot sightings, click on Explore a Location on the Explore Data tab and enter the name of the Hotspot (www.ebird.org). Or use the Find Nearby Hotspots on the BirdsEye app that can be downloaded on a smart phone or tablet.
Directions
We recommend supplementing the directions in this guide with New Mexico state and local road maps available through New Mexico Tourism Department offices (http://newmexico.org/map/), local tourist information centers, mobile phone apps, or GPS devices. All directions to the sites in this guide originate from a city or town easily found on a state road map (Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Taos, and Las Vegas, New Mexico). Some sites have directions from multiple towns. Interstate exit numbers correspond roughly with the mileage distance on that highway from the southern or western starting point of either I-25 or I-40 in New Mexico. As individual vehicle odometers vary, all mileages are approximate. We also suggest stopping at the park, monument, or refuge visitor centers listed in this guide to obtain trail maps when available.
GAIN Permits and HMAV
A few of the sites require a New Mexico Gaining Access into Nature (GAIN) permit and Habitat Management and Access Validation (HMAV). GAIN is a program offered by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF).
These permits are mandatory for birding on trails within the Colin Neblett Wildlife Management Area near Cimarron Canyon and Eagle Nest Lake State Parks (chapter 5); the Rio Chama Trail between El Vado Lake and Heron Lake State Parks (chapter 7); and Bert Clancy and Terrero fishing areas along the Pecos River on NM 68 (chapter 9). GAIN and HMAV permits are not available on-site at any of the birding locations in this guide. They must be purchased in advance at any NMDGF office, online (https://onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us/), or from private license vendors such as hunting and fishing supply dealers or other retail or sporting goods stores.
Annual GAIN permits are valid from April 1 to March 31. NMDGF offers a temporary permit valid for five consecutive days. Permit prices may be different for those with addresses outside New Mexico. HMAV must be purchased with GAIN, as well as with all New Mexico hunting and fishing licenses.
Federal Passes
There are several types of recreational passes issued by the federal government. All of the passes are honored nationwide at all Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Fish and Wildlife Service sites charging entrance or standard amenity fees.
Accessibility
For those readers who have varying abilities, we have tried to describe the conditions present at each site regarding paved or dirt trails, steepness of slope, availability of hand railings and other amenities, loose gravel, exposed tree roots, and possible presence of mud, ice, and other hazards.
Water
Drinking water sources can be scarce in some areas of New Mexico, especially at sites far from towns and in desertlike areas. The availability of drinking water is listed in each site description. Consider all surface water sources to be contaminated. We recommend bringing your own water with you on hikes and in your vehicle.
Pets
At most sites in this guide, pets are permitted if they are on a leash. At a few sites, they are not allowed except inside a vehicle.
Gas, Food, and Lodging
For the convenience of users of this guide, we have listed the nearest gas, food, and lodging for each site. It is recommended to refill gas tanks often, as gas stations are often few and far between on many north-central New Mexico roads.
Special Considerations and Hazards
We have listed some of the more important special considerations and hazards birders may encounter at each site description. Many of these are self-explanatory or have brief explanations in the individual narrative. The few that need more detailed information are listed here.
Black Bears and Cougars
Black bears are a concern at many of the birding sites listed. Not all black bears in New Mexico have black fur; some are brown, cinnamon, or blond. It is important not to leave food unattended on picnic tables—even briefly. US Forest Service personnel have been known to confiscate abandoned food. Never behave like prey and run from a black bear. Back up slowly and walk away. If a bear approaches you, make a lot of noise. Remain standing upright. Never lie down to play dead or turn your back on an approaching black bear.
Do not behave like prey and run from a cougar. Cougars hunt for deer, their primary prey, at dawn and dusk and usually avoid people. Hike with a friend if you are birding early or late at the sites where they are mentioned, a good idea at all times.
Rattlesnakes
Several species of rattlesnakes are known to inhabit parts of north-central New Mexico, including prairie rattlesnake and western diamondback rattlesnake, and can occur up to altitudes of 9,500 feet or higher. Unless they feel threatened, snakes will not usually bother humans. Walk in cleared areas where it is easy to see where you step or reach with your hands. Wear sturdy hiking boots. Snakes often seek shade during intense summer heat.
If bitten, remain calm and put a safe distance between you and the snake. Call 911 for transport to a medical facility. Antivenin is the only definitive treatment. While awaiting transport, call the New Mexico Poison Center at 1–800–222–1222 for guidance. If you are out of cell phone range, get to a hospital as soon as possible.
Hunting Seasons
A few of the sites in this guide are also areas where hunting is allowed at certain times of the year. For more information on locations and seasons, visit the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Web site (http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/recreation/hunting/) or pick up a copy of its free publication New Mexico Hunting Rules and Information, available at most New Mexico state parks and visitor centers.
Plague
Present in several areas of north-central New Mexico, plague is a disease of wild rodents and rabbits caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It is spread among animals and to humans by the bites of infected fleas. Animals that are most often infected include rock squirrels, prairie dogs, pack rats, chipmunks, rabbits, and mice. When an animal with plague dies, the infected fleas must find a new host. This may be another rodent, a pet, or a person. Avoid contact with wild rodents and their fleas, nests, and burrows. Prevent pets from hunting by keeping them on a leash while hiking.
Poison Ivy
Common in New Mexico, the western species (Toxicodendron rydbergii) is the nonclimbing, bushy variety. It can be recognized by its sometimes shiny leaves in groups of three. It is known to be present at nearly half of the locations featured in this guide. The leaves of poison ivy often change to an attractive scarlet color in the fall, resembling Virginia creeper.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Birding Hot Spots of Santa Fe, Taos, and Northern New Mexico by Judy Liddell, Barbara Hussey. Copyright © 2015 Judy Liddell and Barbara Hussey. Excerpted by permission of Texas A&M University Press.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
List of Maps ix
Preface xi
Acknowledgments xiii
Chapter 1 North-Central New Mexico's Geography and Habitats 1
Geography 1
Vegetation Zones and Habitats 3
Chapter 2 Helpful Information 6
How to Use This Guide 6
Special Considerations and Hazards 9
Local Birding Information and Resources 14
New Mexico Rare/Unusual Bird Report 17
Chapter 3 Greater Santa Fe Area 19
General Overview 19
Randall Davey Audubon Center and Sanctuary and Santa Fe Canyon Preserve 19
State Capitol and Santa Fe River Trail 26
La Cieneguilla Marsh 29
Along NM 475 (Hyde Park Road) 34
Aspen Vista Picnic Area 38
Santa Fe Ski Area 42
Ohkay Owingeh Fishing Lakes 47
Chapter 4 Greater Taos Area 51
General Overview 51
Rio Grande del Norte National Monument: Orilla Verde Area 53
Rio Grande del Norte National Monument: Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and Rest Stop 58
Rio Grande del Norte National Monument: Arroyo Hondo and John Dunn Bridge 61
Fred Baca Park 65
Taos Ski Valley 69
Chapter 5 Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway and Nearby Areas 75
General Overview 75
Red River State Fish Hatchery 75
Rio Grande del Norte National Monument: Wild Rivers Area 80
Along NM 38: Questa to Eagle Nest 85
Cimarron Canyon State Park 90
Eagle Nest Lake State Park 96
Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park and Area 100
Chapter 6 Jemez Mountains and Los Alamos 104
General Overview 104
Bandelier National Monument Visitor Center Area 105
Los Alamos: Upper Rendija Canyon and Perimeter Trail 111
Pajarito Mountain Ski Area and Canada Bonita Trail 116
Valles Caldera National Preserve 120
Along Jemez Mountain National Scenic Byway (NM 4) 125
Jemez Falls 133
Chapter 7 Along the Rio Chama 137
General Overview 137
Abiquiu Lake and Rio Chama Recreation Area 137
Ghost Ranch Education and Retreat Center and Echo Amphitheater 142
Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River 147
El Vado Lake State Park 154
Heron Lake State Park 157
Chama 162
Chapter 8 Cochiti Lake Area 166
General Overview 166
Along NM 22 and Cochiti Highway 166
Cochiti Lake Recreation Area 172
Tetilla Peak Recreation Area 176
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument 180
Chapter 9 Along the Upper Pecos River 185
General Overview 185
Pecos National Historical Park 186
Monastery Lake 189
Along NM 63 192
Jacks Creek Campground 197
Villanueva State Park 200
Chapter 10 Along I-25 North of Santa Fe 205
General Overview 205
Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge 205
Storrie Lake State Park 212
Springer Lake Wildlife Area 216
Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge 220
Chapter 11 High-Elevation Specialty Locations 228
General Overview 228
Santa Barbara Ridge 228
Apache Creek 232
American Birding Association's Code of Ethics 239
Annotated Checklist 243
Selected Resources 267
Index 269
Maps
Map 1 Sites in North-Central New Mexico 2
Map 2 Greater Santa Fe Area 20
Map 3 State Capitol and Santa Fe River Trail 26
Map 4 La Cieneguilla Marsh 30
Map 5 Ohkay Owingeh Fishing Lakes 46
Map 6 Greater Taos Area 52
Map 7 Rio Grande del Norte: Wild Rivers Area and Red River Fish Hatchery 76
Map 8 Jemez Mountains Area 105
Map 9 Los Alamos, Rendija Canyon, and Perimeter Trail 112
Map 10 Abiquiti Lake, Ghost Ranch, and Rio Chama Wild Rivers 138
Map 11 Cochiti Lake, Tetilla Peak, and Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument 167
Map 12 Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge and Storrie Lake State Park 207
Map 13 Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge 221