New Mexico Ornithological Society

New Mexico Statewide Hotline, June 16, 2007 (Second green kingfisher!)

Pat,

Yesterday about 8:45 I saw a female Green Kingfisher fly up the Gila River in the Gila River Bird Area which is public Forest Service land. If someone wants to try and find the bird (the bird at the 211 bridge is a male and approximately 10 miles upsteam) they can take the Bill Evans Lake road off of Highway 180, approximately 25 miles west of Silver City. The road splits after about 5 miles and the pavement heads up to Bill Evans Lake. Take the dirt road to the right which parallels the Gila River. Go approximately 5 miles until you see an overlook on the right. After you leave the blacktop at the Bill Evans junction, the road will cross Mangas Creek, leave the river in about 2 miles and wind over some of the Burro Mountains. The road will descent back to the river and that is where the overlook is. From the overlook you can head "north" or "west" to the river. If you head "north," go through the walk trough and then follow the river downstream around the bend. If you head "west," go through the walk through and follow the fence to the green gate. Head "west" to the river and then walk upstream around the bend. The bird was downstream approximately 1/4 to 3/8 of a mile from the bend in the river. If someone wants better direction they can call me at 505 388 3441.

Roland Shook

- For Bird Records Committee and Field Notes, send reports to

      Dr. Sartor O. Williams, III
      1819 Meadowview NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
      sunbittern@earthlink.net

- Messages can also be left with your bird reports at pinyonjay@aol.com.