Albuquerque Official Visitors Guide - Spring 2008 - (Page 36)

birding in albuquerque “A s bird diversity is equivalent with habitat diversity, it is not surprising that Albuquerque, New Mexico ranks number four in bird diversity in the United States. From the Rio Grande River Valley at 5,000 feet elevation to the Sandia Mountains at 10,678 feet elevation, both amateur and more experienced avian enthusiasts will discover a fascinating range of bird species,” offers David Mehlman, Director of The Nature Conservancy’s Migratory Bird Program, a 15-year resident of Albuquerque. It is clear that accessibility and bird diversity are the primary reasons to experience birding in Albuquerque. rio grande valley birds of spring and summer (5,000 feet) The Rio Grande Nature Center (RGNC) located west of Rio Grande Boulevard is the logical starting point for people looking to see birds in the wooded area of the valley along the Rio Grande. Starting a birding tour at the RGNC is something to consider as it provides both accessibility and resources in the heart of Albuquerque’s cottonwood gallery, the Bosque. While there are over 200 species of birds in this area, some spring and summer breeding birds likely to catch any birder’s eye are the blackheaded grosbeak, summer tanager, blue grosbeak, and Bullock’s oriole. There are likely to be four different species of hummingbirds present: the black-chinned hummingbird, calliope hummingbird, rufous hummingbird and the broad-tailed hummingbird. Of course the roadrunner, New Mexico’s state bird, is a predictable resident in the valley. nighttime owl sightings at capulin spring (8,500 feet) “Many birders’ life lists have no marks in the checkboxes next to the three rosy finch species. The birds’ breeding ranges are largely non-contiguous and often in hard-to-reach places. Finding all three species on their nesting grounds generally requires three separate journeys, some arduous mountain hiking, and a bit of luck.” To see the rosy finches in Albuquerque between December and March, visitors need only drive 13 miles on a well-tended road to Sandia Crest. For more detailed information on rosy tourism, go to www.rosyfinch.com. eco-tourism beyond albuquerque bosque del apache festival of the cranes november 18-23, 2008 Shortly after passing the Sandia Ski Area, visitors to the Sandia Mountain range in search of birds to check off life-time lists can expect nighttime predictability for spotting the northern saw-whet owl after dark. This particular moon-eyed bird is a resident from May to August, with high rates of visibility in early May. While rare, the northern pygmy owl is another possible sight for avid birders interested in a little night life. According to the New Mexico Ornithological Society, dusk is best for this species. sandia crest and the rosy finch phenomenon (10,678 feet) The Festival of the Cranes at the Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge celebrates the arrival of many thousands of cranes, geese, ducks and other migratory birds. (60 miles south of Albuquerque) milnesand & the lesser prairie chicken festival april 17-19th, 2009 Ken and Mary Lou Schneider, who served as coordinators of the Rosy Finch Project at Sandia Crest, have aptly named this remarkable phenomenon “Rosy Tourism.” Ken writes in Birder’s World Magazine, This festival offers a unique ecotourist opportunity to see the courtship dance of the lesser prairie chicken, where the male prairie chickens will dance for the females of the species. The Bureau of Land Management and private landowners allow escorted trips to some of these areas. Milnesand is 400 miles southeast of Albuquerque. (For more information, see: www.nature.org/newmexico) Cedar Waxwing, ©David Powell 36 www.itsatrip.org http://www.rosyfinch.com http://www.nature.org/newmexico http://www.itsatrip.org http://www.itsatrip.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Albuquerque Official Visitors Guide - Spring 2008

Albuquerque Official Visitors Guide - Spring 2008 Contents Welcome to Albuquerque Visitor & Relocation Information Maps Cultural Conversations Pueblo Culture Arts What's New? Family Outings Calendar of Events Ballooning High Desert Golfing Birding in Albuquerque Outdoor Enthusiasm Albuquerque's Original Flavors Shopping Destinations Resource Directory of Marketing Partners Lodging Directory Virtual Ad Index

Albuquerque Official Visitors Guide - Spring 2008

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