Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park Autumn Birding

Birding is phenomenal although the Rio Grand's water is being reduced considerably, or possibly, because the levels are so low and mud flats are emerging, large numbers of killdeer can be seen at the waters edge this week.

Killdeer

Red-tailed Hawk Juvenile 

Raptors are taking full advantage of abundant prey species. There are great opportunities to compare the subtle differences of our two accipters; both Sharp-shinned and Coopers Hawk as both birds are present and active.

Coppers Hawk

The receding water produces swallow ponds that contain and trap, making fishing easy for 

Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret to catch. Belted Kingfisher dive from the wires that stretch over the river. 

Black Phoebe

Other delightful appearances this week are Black, Eastern, and Say's Phoebes 

Wood-Warblers this week:

• Orange-crowned Warbler
• Yellow-rumped Warbler
• Blackpoll Warbler 

other passerines 

• Spotted Towhee
• Green-tailed Towhee have moved into the park hopefully they will stay for the winter
• Lark Sparrow 
• Lincoln Sparrow 
• White-crowned Sparrow (singing to enhance our morning walks)
• Western Meadowlark

Javelina sometimes appear on the trails at the park. This year's Roadrunner population has increased and if we are quiet and stealthy there is a good chance of observing one.

The Saturday morning birdwatch will be exceptional see you at 8:00 starting at the visitors center and comprises of a approximately 2 hour leisurely walk.

Lincoln Sparrow

Javelina

Roadrunner