Wildwestbirds

Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park April 2016

Amazing Birding so far

Only 2 days into April and the park birding as been quite remarkable. Large groups of Turkey Vultures heading north. Flocks of swallows; Cliff, Barn, Rough-winged with the occasional Swift flying with the group (I assume they are White-throated) but can't see any white on these individuals. - 'must check out other contenders.

We had some great raptors last month; Northern Harrier, White-tailed and Mississippi Kites. Both Sharp-shinned and Coopers Hawk; Swainson's and Red-tailed Hawk and American Kestrel.
In April already, Peregrine on the first of April, but today good views of the rare Gray Hawk. The bird was present yesterday, but only allowed brief gimps of itself. Today though, at first only a few early quick peeps of the hunting bird skimming the bushes. Then the bird was discovered sitting in some low bushes above a drainage ditch not far from the visitors center. Barbara (a very enthusiastic birder) was able to set her Spotting Scope up so that everyone could enjoy great views of this mature male. After 20 minutes to bird flew.

April 2, Gray Hawk a rare bird

The Gray Hawk is a uncommon to rare bird and at the northern end of its range here. Most of its numbers are in Central and northern South America, mainly within the tropics. Distribution in the USA, Gray Hawks are generally uncommon and found locally in a few riparian areas of southeast Arizona, New Mexico (rare) and south Texas.

It was with great pleasure that we were able to see this bird and were even able to get a few photographs (apologises for the bad quality) We were fortunate to get good views of this creature and it was generous to us by flying directly towards us, providing an opportunity for a brief photo shoot. Other birds today were a Eastern Phoebe below