New Mexico Ornithological Society

New Mexico Bird Finding Guide Updates

Chaves.

Doña Ana.

Grant.

Chaves County

April 25, 2005. BLM is no longer restricting access to the Prairie-Chicken lek near Waldrop Park, as they have finished their surveying, but they do like to know who/how many people are planning to go out to the site. The Roswell BLM phone number in the NMOS guide is "extinct," however. The correct general number is 505-627-0272, but a better number is the direct line to Wildlife Biologist Rand French: 505-627-0266. (I believe his email address is .) French will send out info on the birds and the site, as well as maps of the accessible active leks.

Doña Ana County

The area around Isaack Lake has changed dramatically since the Bird Finding Guide was written. Current directions are: Take U.S. 70 toward Alamogordo from Las Cruces. Exit at Mesa Grande and do a U-turn under the freeway. Go back on the north frontage road to Jornada Road. There is a brandless gas station and convenience store on the corner. Head north on Jornada Road according to the directions in the Bird Finding Guide.

Grant County

It has been pointed out that both gas and food services are available in the towns of Hurley and Bayard.

Hidalgo County

The highway south of Animas is no longer 338 as in the Bird Finding Guide and the mileages have been changed. It is now county highway 1. The BOTTERI'S SPARROW site is now at mile marker 15. CR, RB, NP, and RV had several singing between mile posts 13 and 15 on August 22.
County Highway 1 south of Animas crosses the Diamond A (Gray) Ranch. Because of events with thoughtless birders, one must not go off the road.

Luna County

The waste treatment ponds in Deming have been closed for construction and birding till further notice.
Larry Malone reports that Katfish Kove is no longer open to birders. (23 April 2007)

Otero County

At the Holloman Lakes near Alamogordo, the "no access" signs are for hunters only. The entire shore is open to birding.

San Miguel County

BW advises that the Clabber Hill Ranch near Conchas Lake is now closed to birding. There is a new lessee there.

Sierra County

Paul Yoder here at Percha Dam State Park. This winter you might call it Bird Watcher's State Park. The park has stationed me here through March and my goal is to enhance the visit of every birder from beginner to advanced. There will be bird walks every weekend through March: Saturdays at 2:00 pm & Sundays at 10:00 am, plus more by appointment. For solo birders and for when the visitor center is closed, i've posted 2 boards, visible driving by. One lists interesting sightings & locations all the way to Elephant Butte Lake. The other is a mini self course of ID challenges of varying difficulty of similar-looking species in the park. Also we have a computer program that plays bird vocalizations. Very nice for review or to confirm a fresh sighting. With hopes you'll announce this, I attached a flyer. Hope to see you there! Cheer, Paul

Torrance County

The Green Chaparral Turf Farm in Moriarty was for sale when the Bird Finding Guide was in press. The farm has now sold, and the new owners do NOT permit birders access. We regret the loss of this extremely productive spot.

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

Dr. Sartor O. Williams, III
1819 Meadowview NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104

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