Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park 

New Mexico USA 

Crissal Thrasher                                                                © Richard Anderton

These cold mornings are ideal to catch a glimpse of the parks elusive permanent resident 
very shy and secretive the CrissalThrasher usually seen only very briefly darting through the undergrowth, can now be observed enjoying the early sun rays. 
The perfect reward for the early Birder!

The Autumnal bugle calls of Sandhill Crane could be heard everyday this week. Groups of up to 30 birds can be seen, they circle for 10-15 minutes, then continue on their way.
Are they looking for a suitable place to stay? - Maybe if we had shallow ponds and corn fields; Sandhills would be present for the winter months.

Sandhill Cranes                                                                                       © Richard Anderton

Northern Harriers are winter residents at the park, usually in Female or Immature plumage.
This autumn we are privileged to have an individual in mature Male plumage.  

Northern Harrier                                             © Richard Anderton

 
 In addition to many Quail, and cotton-tail rabbits there are there large flocks of Sparrows with other small passerines, the prey species of our Raptors:
Present this Fall are 

Sharp-shinned Hawk                    © Richard Anderton

• Northern Harrier 
• White-tailed Kite 
• Cooper's Hawk
• Sharp-shinned Hawk
• Red-tailed Hawk 
• Osprey 
• American Kestrel 
• Prairie Falcon

The MVBSP is a wonderful location for the observation

of Birds of Prey

Prairie Falcon  © Richard Anderton

Prairie Falcon  © Richard Anderton

American Kestrel              © Richard Anderton

Red-tailed Hawk                   © Richard Anderton

There are two resident woodpeckers: Ladder-backed and Northern Flicker 

Northern Flicker                                                  © Richard Anderton

Dark-eyed Junco  © Richard Anderton

White-crowned Sparrows and Lincoln's Sparrow                                                     © Richard Anderton

American Pipit                            © Richard Anderton

Western Meadowlark                           © Richard Anderton

  At present hiker are accompanied by the cheerful song of the Meadowlarks.