Birding in Southwestern New Mexico

“No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings.” –William Blake

Southwest New Mexico has a reputation for being a bit of birders’ paradise! The lush riparian river valleys, scenic mountains and canyons, proximity to Mexico and the surrounding lands of the Gila National Forest attract over 300 species.

“Just an hour drive from Silver City, the Gila River Bird Habitat, a special management unit of the Gila National Forest, offers great birding with easy access and easy walking among river willows and cottonwoods along the Gila River. This is a very special place where spring migrations and the combination of riparian habitat and desert foothills bring a great variety of birds together. Common Black-hawks patrol the Gila River or perch high in treetops. Yellow Warblers, Cardinals, and Vermillion Flycatchers draw your eye like magnets. Towhees and thrashers rustle in the thickets, and Black Phoebes and Phainopeplas have their favorite, conspicuous perches. Look for warblers including Lucy’s and Olive. There are so many species here that you can spend many happy birding days in the cool shade of the cottonwoods.

Just a half hour drive north of Silver City, in the Gila National Forest, the fluting melody of the Hermit Thrush mingles with distinctive calls of Painted Redstarts and Red-faced Warblers. The mix of oak and pine are a favorite place for Acorn Woodpeckers and the Bridled Titmouse. The lucky birder may find a Montezuma Quail. You’ll also find Hepatic, Summer, and Western Tanagers.

Spring migrations begin in late April but birding can be rewarding all through the year. Over 339 species have been seen in Grant County. You’ll find intriguing desert canyons, cool riparian habitat, Pinon/Juniper woodlands, and Ponderosa and Spruce/Fir forests. We invite you come see our special birds.

The “Birds of the Gila National Forest Check List” and maps are available at the Silver City Visitor Center, the Gila National Forest Supervisors office, district ranger stations, the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.”

[By Jackie Blurton, Silver City KOA]

Here are some Regional Eco-systems (according to the Southwestern New Mexico Audubon Society):

Highland Oak-Juniper Canyons/Hillsides of Gila

National Forest are home to 4 jay species, thrashers, sparrows, vireos, warblers, Wild Turkey.

Silver City, Arenas Valley, Pinos Altos, Gallinas Canyon/Hwy 152 [ MAP ]

Riparian Valleys with Cottonwood and Willow

Flycatchers, kingbirds, orioles, waterfowl, warblers, swallows, owls, and woodpeckers.

Mimbres River Valley (15 miles east of SC); Gila River Valley/Gila Bird Area (25 mi W) [ MAP ]

Rolling grassland with mountains and scrub

To our south, large flocks of sparrow in the winter. Twelve or more species are possible in a morning drive along Separ Road.

Separ Road (15 miles southwest of SC off Hwy 180) [ MAP ]

Chihuahuan desert

Terrain appears quickly southeast of SC. City of Rocks State Park area holds species of wren, thrasher, Long-eared Owls, and Roadrunners.

City of Rocks (10 miles east of SC off Hwy 180) [ MAP ]

Above 7000 feet in the Gila Forest

Habitat of mountain spruce and pine, home to unique species such as the Olive and Red-faced Warblers, Painted Redstart. Expect to find three species of nuthatches, vireos, and a variety of woodpeckers.

Cherry Creek or McMillan campgrounds, (12 miles north of SC on Hwy 15) [ MAP ]

Sonoran desert

Plant communities to the West near the Arizona border hold Gray Vireo, Bell’s Vireo, Montezuma Quail, and possibly Abert’s Towhee.

Red Rock (25 miles west of SC near the Gila River)

Some suggested websites: