We managed to push our species count total over the century mark for the first time (103). Given the relatively small amount of surface water on the ranch, this total is a bit remarkable and points to the diversity of food and habitat on the ranch. The previous counts were in the mid eighties to mid nineties range. After four counts we see that there is a core group of species (68) that use the ranch every winter and have shown up on all counts so far.

Population swings become part of the intrigue of doing Christmas Counts, particularly as the number of count years increases. This year saw major spikes in certain species such as Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3 yr average of 34 jumped to 137 this year) and Mountain Bluebird (3 yr average of 13-including 0 last year!-jumped to 118 this year). Other species provided examples of sharp declines such as Black-throated Sparrow (3yr average of 141 dropped to 78 this year) and Canyon Towhee (3yr average of 90 dropped to 29 this year). Still other species remain surprisingly consistent such as Western Bluebird ( 3yr average of 27-this year 28) and Curve-billed Thrasher ( 3yr average 9-this year 11).

With the addition of 13 species new for the count, our cumulative 4yr total stands at 128. This year’s count included a staggering diversity of sparrows (19 species) with the following being first timers: Cassin’s, Fox, White-throated, and Field.

Each count produces a number of memorable moments. For me that moment came in the afternoon as our team was heading up New Tank Canyon in the northwest portion of the ranch. We saw a cloud of soaring birds on the horizon and hurried ahead to see what was happening. As we got closer I could make out a bunch of ravens dwarfed by several soaring eagles. Some sort of carcass in a ravine at the base of one of the canyon’s cliff walls was drawing a crowd. I could see 2 adult Golden Eagles and, somewhat surprisingly as we were far from water, an adult Bald Eagle. Soon we saw 2 more eagles coming in from the south which turned out to be first year Goldens that flew right over us! I felt like we were back in the Pleistocene era when large mammal carcasses attracted large avian carrion eaters. As we dropped over the ridge into the Seco drainage, I closed my eyes and imagined a California Condor, which once patrolled this part of the world, swooping in to join the clean-up.

While driving to Las Vegas NWR, we saw a southbound flock of about 30 Sandhill Cranes, first ones of the season. Still zooming down the interstate, I noticed a raptor crossing the highway ahead of us. I was able to get into the breakdown lane so we could get good views of this Prairie Falcon as it continued out over the prairie. Although waterfowl numbers are starting to build, none of the far northern species had arrived yet at the refuge.

Our last stop was La Liendre Canyon, further southeast of the refuge. Dozens of Vesper Sparrows lined the entry road as well as a trio of Sage Thrashers, newly arrived from their Great Basin breeding grounds. Activity in the canyon was minimal as 30-40mph winds had the birds hunkered down. As we departed the canyon, an adult Golden Eagle cruised along the ridge line, always a stirring sight in the canyon country of New Mexico.

We ventured further out onto the plains to a renowned migrant trap near Melrose, NM. The cottonwood/poplar grove was alive with migrants, notably Wilson’s and Yellow Warblers. Mixed in were some eastern strays including Black-throated Green Warbler, Blue-headed Vireo, a stunning adult male Black-throated Blue Warbler, and a flashy Prothonotary Warbler, fanning its tail continually as it foraged. Next we headed south to scorching (104 degrees) Roswell and Bitter Lake NWR. Shorebirds put up with some extreme conditons during migration but places to rest and feed can often be few and far between. Among the regulars such as Baird’s and Western Sandpipers we spied a plover which turned out to be an American Golden molting from breeding to winter plumage, a rare treat in NM. As we left the refuge, we encountered a flock of Long-billed Curlews and were surprised to see 3 Whimbrels feeding alongside them. Great side by side contrast of these two cousins.

As daylight was waning, we headed west, and higher up, into cooler Lincoln County. Camping at over 6,000′ was a refreshing change from the heat along the Pecos.

The next day found us in a totally different world. A Common Poorwill greeted us predawn, with its plaintive call and several bands of yipping coyotes provided a great vocal backdrop to a spectacular sunrise. As we headed down to the lush Rio Hondo, we stopped in a foothill canyon with lots of activity including Lazuli Buntings, Green-tailed Towhee, and a pair of Orchard Orioles. Completing our descent we were now in deciduous riparian habitat. Along the river, we quickly encountered Summer Ranager, Common Blackhawk, and a surprising Zone-tailed Hawk at the extreme northeast edge of its range. Further down the creek, an immature Bronzed Cowbird was hanging with its Brown-headed cousins. A Cassin’s Vireo added a nice western migrant touch.

We then headed up to the top of Monjeau Lookout, a cool respite at 9,600′ from two days of lowland heat. Regular montane breeders such as Grace’s and Virginia’s Warblers and Western Tanager were still in attendance accompanied in most flocks by Townsend’s Warblers heading south to the highlands of Mexico from the Pacific northwest. Another Zone-tailed Hawk, soaring above 9,000′, was a nice exclamation point for our trip.

Arriving late afternoon, my first sighting was a male adult Peregrine Falcon at an historic site several hundred feet up a sheer rock wall. Among other prey, the Peregrine was no doubt dining on the nearby population of Band-tailed Pigeons. At the campsite mid way along the 10 mile long ridge, I heard and then saw a flock of about 15 Purple Martins-the largest group I had ever seen in NM. About a half hour past dark I imitated Spotted Owl and had a quick response from a juvenile that ended up coming in quite close. It soon figured out I was not mom or dad with food and quickly melted back into the forest.

In the morning, I reached the Grassy Lookout early and a mixed species flock was actively on the sunlit, east side of the ridge. In quick succession I spotted Olive, Virginia’s, Red-faced, Grace’s, Black-throated Gray, Townsend’s and Hermit Warblers, the latter being a scarce fall visitor in sw New Mexico. Once the flock moved on, I continued around the lookout tower point on foot and was quickly rewarded with a pair of Montezuma Quail scurrying up out of the grass. As their call is somewhat easy to imitate, I began whistling and immediately a female walked back within 10′ of me. This seemed like a high sighting (9,700′) of this icon of southwest pine/oak forests but I was thrilled to get such a long, close up view of a notoriously hard to see species. Descending the mountain later in the morning, I found another Hermit Warbler in a flock that also contained a migrating Olive-sided Flycatcher. Reluctantly, I departed from this tranquil, isolated wilderness to return to Santa Fe.