RFI - Southwest States, NW, AZ

[cabz]

My husband and I are headed down to the Southwest States for 3 1/2 months after Xmas.  Have a good guide for southeastern AZ  and have researched on the internet etc, but does not hurt  to get additional info.  First stop is probably Bosque del Apache.

Thank you in advance for any advice, info.

Cynthia

[Dr. John]

We were in Arizona last fall. Although we travelled all around the state and saw interesting birds everywhere, the main hotspots are in the southeast section:

- San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area
- Ramsey Canyon Preserve
- Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve
- Paton’s Birder’s Haven
- Buenos Aires NWR

Ask the locals also about where are good spots. Many birders at some locations told us about other spots - not all of which we could get to.

[bernie2112]

We had a great time at the Hassayampa River Preserve

Cheers,

Bernie
http://www.newlight.ca

[Pat Hodgson]

Assume you mean NM.  In winter there, a must-go destination is Sandia Crest, right outside Albuquerque, for rosy finches.

[Kin Lau]

My wife and I did the trip 2 years ago, and it was great. Bosque is very nice, but the abundance or lack of birds will depend on the weather. A hard freeze will send many birds away. For variety, the area around the visitors center is good.

For the snow geese and cranes, the best spots are actually outside of Bosque, the ponds about 5km north of the visitors center is the best spot in the morning to see the cranes extremely close, and if they aren't frozen, lots of waterfowl too.

For late in the day, check out the Bernado wildlife refuge north of Socorro. We had many times more geese up there than Bosque itself, and the constant stream of birds is quite the sight.

I can't remember the name right now, but there are some canyons south west of Socorro about 30min's away and we had Cactus wrens, Oak titmouse in that area. Further south along the hwy is Elephant Butte when we had very close Western Grebes.

[Kin Lau]

Assume you mean NM.  In winter there, a must-go destination is Sandia Crest, right outside Albuquerque, for rosy finches.

Try to make it early, and you won't have the crowds to contend with. Bring some seed too.