We’ve provided a summary of the highlights from this region at different times of the year as well as some photos from the area. This is by no-means a complete list of attractions in New Mexico but merely a teaser to highlight some of the more popular sites and birds.
Brown-capped Rosy-Finch
The Sandia Crest has become the unofficial Rosy-Finch capital of the world! All three species of Rosy-Finch (Brown-capped, Gray-crowned & Black Rosy-Finch) flock to the Crest House on top of the scenic Sandia Mountains each winter. This gift shop and restaurant graciously hosts birders and photographers from all over the world. Have some coffee while you sit and watch the finches swirl down towards the feeders on the deck just outside. There are very few places where you can get such amazing looks at these beautiful birds from the comfort of a heated building.
The Sandia Crest also hosts one of the largest Rosy-Finch ecology studies in the world. BRANT guides and owners, along with volunteers from Rio Grande Bird Research Inc have been banding Rosy-Finches at the crest for over 10 years! On Sundays, the researchers are at the Crest House are banding birds, giving you the opportunity to get in hand looks while you learn all about the winter ecology of these little-known species! For more information on the Rosy-Finch Project click here.
In addition to the Rosy-Finches the Sandia Mountains host a number of other species. Northern Saw-Whet Owl, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Pygmy Nuthatch, Pinyon Jay, Juniper Titmouse, Red Crossbill, Evening Grosbeak and Pine Grosbeak are all frequently targeted species.
For every trip that visits the Sandia Crest House BRANT will donate 5% of the tours profit to Rio Grande Bird Research to help offset the cost of research equipment and seed.
Bosque del Apache NWR is a birder’s and photographers paradise! The spectacle of thousands of geese and cranes rising up above the frozen marshes in the brilliant red, orange and purple light of the desert sunrise is not to be missed. The sound of these birds alone is enough to permanently imprint the experience in your brain. Luckily the early morning bird symphony is not the only attraction here. The refuge is an oasis in the desert and home to a large variety of sparrows, raptors, waterfowl and more! Snow, Ross’s, Canada, Cackling and Greater White-fronted Geese, well over a dozen species of ducks, a dozen species of raptors and more sparrows than you can shake a piece of grass at all call Bosque del Apache their home. Not to mention many Chihuahuan Desert specialties such as Verdin, Pyrrhuloxia and Black-tailed Gnatcatcher.
Bosque del Apache Sunrise
Nearby, the Magdalena Mountains boast a wide range of mountain and southern specialty birds. Northern Pygmy-Owl, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Acorn Woodpecker and Pygmy Nuthatch. The grasslands in the area can produce many great birds including Chestnut-collared & McCown’s Longspurs
Outside of the areas summarized above, New Mexico has numerous desert, mountain, wetland and riparian habitats full of birds and colorful scenery. Call or email us and we’ll develop the right trip for you!
Payments can be made by check or PayPal. We prefer to receive payment before your tour date. Gas reimbursement and tips may be paid in cash or check directly to your guide at the end of your trip. Fill out the inquiry form below and we will contact you directly to discuss and finalize your trip.
We have several guides currently living in New Mexico and generally have availability throughout the year.
Please fill out and submit the following form to let us know what you’re looking for