Travel the Trail of the Mountain Spirits through southwestern New Mexico. Mountains jut into the sky, clusters of trees scatter the landscape, and wide valleys spread out across the colorful earth below. Thousands of birds live here, and this vibrant region is also home to the state's first designated birding trail, the Southwest New Mexico State Birding Trail, open year round for world-class birding. The trail encompasses several places along and near the byway, including Cherry Creek, Lake Roberts, the Mimbres River Valley, and more. So bring your hiking shoes, because several paths will lead you to a few of the hottest birding spots in New Mexico.
Spend some time spotting birds near water at Cherry Creek and Lake Roberts. Walk along the creek and see Flammulated Owls, Hepatic Tanagers, and White-throated Swifts. At Lake Roberts, you'll see Bald Eagles, Williamson's Sapsuckers, and several hawk species. Listen closely for the fast flitter of hummingbird wings; up to ten different species feed on the wildflowers from July through September. Get an up-close look at the region’s prominent hummingbird species at the Hummingbirds of New Mexico Festival, hosted by the Lake Roberts area every summer. Take a guided geology trip or a bird identification tour, and feed the hummingbirds from designated feeding stations at the festival site.
Seek shade not only for cooling down, but for seeing birds. "Bosques" (Spanish for cottonwood groves) scattered along the Mimbres River protect several bird species. In the fall, the bright gold foliage only adds to the beautiful setting. North of Fort Bayard, you'll find the Cameron Creek birding area among large junipers, including "The Big Tree," the second largest alligator juniper in the United States. Be sure to visit the Gila River Bird Habitat Area and Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument as well. The habitat area, near Silver City, houses Gila Woodpeckers, Hooded Orioles, Lucy's Warblers, Brown-crested Flycatchers, and Common Blackhawks. At the monument, you'll see Warbling Vireos, Painted Redstarts, Lazuli Buntings, and Piñon Jays.
Brace yourself for birding adventures on Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway and the Southwest New Mexico State Birding Trail. Lakes, creeks, valleys, and other landscapes provide a home for hundreds of bird species, giving you plenty of chances to see some avian wonders. Go it alone and see the sights for yourself, or join other birders in the summer for the Hummingbirds of New Mexico Festival.
