New Mexico is known for having a wide variety of bird species at every elevation, with an ever changing assortment of species by season. This winter is a perfect time to take family and visiting friends on a tour of the enchanted circle to search for these beauties.
There’s a checklist of species at the bottom of this article, and if you have a smartphone the Audubon app allows you to download their field guide for offline use. Otherwise I can personally recommend the invaluable book “Birds Of New Mexico Field Guide” by Stan Tekiela.
Log your sightings on eBird to help ornithologists understand habitat and migration patterns and let us at Questa Del Rio News know what other birds you spotted!
Orilla Verde Campgrounds Starting just south of Taos on NM 570, the Orilla Verde campgrounds are home to raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds. Its location right next to the Rio Grande makes this a prime place to see a wide variety of our feathered friends. Cost is $3 for day use.
Heart Lake This is a moderate hike with a steep 4.8-mile climb that rewards you with a breathtaking serene lake scene. If you’re a more experienced hiker and want an adventure, take the Bull Creek trail off Lake Fork for a 14-mile ascent to a deeply secluded spot. There are pre-existing campsites near the lake. How to get there: Start at Cabresto Lake and follow the Lake Fork Trail for 1.7 miles, then turn left for the Heart Lake Trail. No cost to hike this trail.
Oeste Vista Loop A shady 2.5-mile loop nestled in Angel Fire that provides views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and expansive Moreno Valley.
Eagle Nest Lake How to get there: Head toward Eagles Nest along US 64. Keep an eye out for Angel Nest RV retreat in Eagles Nest, and turn onto the road next to it: B11 B/ Marina Way. The lake is at the end of the road. No cost.
Lost Lake Trail Located between Red River and Eagle Nest, this intermediate trail is also a great fishing spot as it’s stocked via helicopter with native cutthroat trout. Birds that shelter in aspen and spruce trees will be here. How to get there: Travel south about 6 miles on NM 578 to the junction of Middle Fork and East Fork. The pavement ends here. Take the road to the right, Forest Road 58, for approximately 1.1 miles to a parking area. No turnaround or parking is available beyond this point. No cost.
Goose Lake Trail A moderate trail that climbs 5.5 miles to Goose Lake and is also accessible via ATV. Alpine inclined birds will be found foraging here. How to get there: Travel 2.5 miles up NM 578. Look for the trailhead on the west side. No cost.
Birding Checklist
Raptors
- Bald Eagle
- Northern Harrier
- Great Horned Owl
- Red Tailed Hawk
- Rough Legged Hawk
Songbirds
- Clark’s Nutcracker
- Western Meadowlark
- Lewis’ Woodpecker
- Evening Grosbeak
- Cedar Waxwing
Waterfowl
- Gadwall
- Ring-Necked Duck
- Common Goldeneye
- American Coot
- Common Merganser
