Grand New Mexico: May 25—Jun 04, 2009

Elf Owl — Photo: Barry Zimmer

Experience the avifauna of the Land of Enchantment with its unique combination of southwestern specialties and Rocky Mountain species. Superb scenery and Native American ruins are also featured.

Boasting a state list of more than 470 species of birds (fifth highest in the United States), New Mexico combines some of the best of southeastern Arizona and Colorado. From the riparian woodlands and deserts of the south to the high Rocky Mountains near Santa Fe, we will seek some of North America's most prized and difficult-to-locate species at the height of breeding season. We will also visit Indian ruins (Anasazi and Mogollon) and the historic Santa Fe Plaza, and marvel at the countless breathtaking vistas that the "Land of Enchantment" has to offer.

The southern portion of the state harbors such avian gems as Common Black-Hawk; Zone-tailed Hawk; Flammulated and Elf owls; Whip-poor-will and Common Poorwill; Greater Pewee; the localized Gray Vireo; Crissal Thrasher; Red-faced, Olive, and Virginia's warblers; Painted Redstart; and Black-chinned Sparrow. Further north the avifauna takes on a distinctly different flavor with Dusky Grouse, Lewis's Woodpecker, Williamson's and Red-naped sapsuckers, Three-toed Woodpecker, Gray and Hammond's flycatchers, Pinyon Jay, and Pine Grosbeak among the possibilities.

Good accommodations; easy to moderate terrain; some birding at elevations above 8,000 feet; easy to moderate walking; cool (mountains) to warm (deserts) climate.