New Mexico's Birding Hot Spots

BIRDING HOT SPOTS OF SANTA FE, TAOS AND NORTHERN NEW MEXICO

“Birding Hot Spots of Santa Fe, Taos, and Northern New Mexico includes everything but binoculars! Highest praise and appreciation to Judy and Barbara for their meticulously researched, lovingly detailed, and expertly written guide. . . an absolute must have for any birder.”—Jan Saunders, author of Bird Notes from the Galisteo Basin

“A well-researched, highly detailed and yet accessible guide, this is the go-to book for bird watching and understanding the ecosystems of northern New Mexio.”—Jim O’Donnell, Wilderness Guide, photographer, and author of Notes for the Aurora Society

“It’s no secret that New Mexico is enchanting! But in this handy guidebook, the authors unlock and provide access to the special places to find birds in northern New Mexico- both well-known sites and gems off the beaten path. Rich with the selection of amazing bird­ watching sites on public lands and several sites on or near Pueblo lands as well as the details you need to plan your outing, this book comes from birders who want to open your eyes to birding while exploring the inspiring landscapes around Santa Fe and north. Whether you are visiting or live in New Mexico, this book is meant to be used on your adventures and will surely have a well-loved feel with dog-eared pages many years from now.”—Karyn Stockdale, Senior Advisor for National Audubon Society, formerly Vice President & Executive Director Audubon New Mexico

“These authors have done it again—providing yet another powerful birding guide for New Mexico! This user-friendly book will help birders discover the lesser-birded northern part of the state, with everything you’ll need to know for your visit along with tantalizing lists of target birds. Not only will you add new species to your list, but you’ll also contribute to our knowledge of birds in this area!”—Carol Beidleman, Director of Bird Conservation, Audubon New Mexico

“Liddell and Hussey have provided New Mexico birders and visitors with a valuable resource for bird-finding in northern New Mexico. The have identified the locally known areas—and some not so well known—where folks can go to find birds. This book will help bring New Mexico’s diverse avifauna to a wider audience.”—Tom Jervis, President, Sangre de Cristo Audubon Society

New Mexico Wildlife – http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/download/publications/wildlife-news/Volume_59-Number_2-Summer-2016.pdf#page=9

BIRDING HOT SPOTS OF CENTRAL NEW MEXICO

“Birding Hot Spots in Central New Mexico by Judith Liddell and Barbara Hussey is a must-have guide for the serious out-of-town birder who comes to Central New Mexico. The guide is practical, user-friendly and comprehensive. It starts off with an overall description of Albuquerque area’s landscape, life zones, birds, possible hazards such as snakes, poison ivy, weather and altitude, etc. These factors are then applied to each selected site with the seasonal variation in bird species included. The information is presented clearly and logically thus adding to the fun of birding in the Albuquerque area.” Sei Tokuda, retired professor of immunology and former chair of the Department of Microbiology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and long-time birder

“Liddell and Hussey have written a guide that will be invaluable to central New Mexico visitors and local birders alike. But their explanations of the region’s natural history and advice on places to go and things to see reach beyond the birds alone, making this book a treat for anyone who loves the outdoors.”
John Fleck, science writer, Albuquerque Journal

“Birding enthusiasts will find Birding Hot Spots of Central New Mexico helpful in locating birds when visiting Albuquerque and the surrounding area. The authors not only list the expected bird species for each hot spot, but detailed directions for reaching the location. They also make good use of the internet and give web sites for many of the areas mentioned. Readers will discover that there is a variety of habitats in central New Mexico which translates into a large variety of bird species to be encountered.” Rebecca Gracey, Central New Mexico Audubon Society Thursday-Birders Coordinator

“Birding Hotspots of Central New Mexico draws upon the authors” familiarity with six clusters of the 29 very best birding locations within easy driving distance from downtown Albuquerque. Each of the concise site descriptions stands alone, thus avoiding cross-references and conveying a marvelous sense of place. This assures most efficient use of the visitor’s time– by suggesting the best way to follow a trail, providing locations of the nearest restrooms, drinking water, lodging and gas stations, and even spots for a picnic lunch. Road and trail conditions and elevation changes are carefully noted, as are hours of operation, any entrance fees and proximity of public transportation if available. Particular hazards are pointed out as may be necessary, as well as wheelchair accessibility and obstacles for those with limited mobility, At some sites, the visitor will know what time of day is most favorable for birding, and where to get the best views when the trees are bare or fields are flooded. Nearly a dozen maps complement site-specific driving directions that all start from the intersection of I-40 and I-25 in the heart of Albuquerque. There is a strong emphasis on how to most efficiently locate target species, some of which may be found almost exclusively at one or a few of the hot spots. All of the expected species are listed in an annotated checklist that references only the best locations for finding them. Unlike some bird finding guides, the text is not cluttered with aging reports of rare and unusual birds. Instead, the reader is sensibly advised to consult the latest eBird and rare bird alerts before setting out. Nearly all of these locations are already indexed by name in eBird. Whether planning an extended trip or a few hours escape from a business meeting, birders with all levels of experience will find Birding Hotspots of Central New Mexico an invaluable traveling companion.” Kenneth C Schneider,  retired physician and lifelong birder who has served as a volunteer interpreter, leading bird walks at Rio Grande Nature State Park in Albuquerque and in the Sandia Mountains with the US Forest Service. He and his wife Mary Lou instituted the famous rosy-finch feeding program at Sandia Crest, and Ken hosts the Sandia Crest Birding Forum on his rosyfinch.com web suite.

I LOVE Birding Hot Spots of Central New Mexico. I especially like how practical it is regarding parking, rest rooms, nearby attractions and so on. The photograph is impressive…right now I am looking at the Williamson’s Sapsucker, one of the few that was not taken by you. Having followed this project from the beginning with its ups and downs and deadline pressure, I am impressed, but not surprised with how it turned out. Congratulations! Carole York, Lakewood, CA