Jemez Falls northwest of Santa Fe is the site of the only known nesting colony of Black Swifts in the state.— Photo: Barry Zimmer

Boasting a state list of more than 500 species of birds (fifth highest in the United States), New Mexico combines some of the best of southeastern Arizona and Colorado. From the riparian woodlands and deserts of the south (Part I) to the high Rocky Mountains near Santa Fe (Part II), we will seek some of North America's most prized and difficult-to-locate species at the height of breeding season. We will also visit Native American ruins (Anasazi and Mogollon) and the historic Santa Fe Plaza, and marvel at the countless breathtaking vistas that the "Land of Enchantment" has to offer.

The southern portion of the state (Part I) harbors such avian gems as Common Black-Hawk; Zone-tailed Hawk; Flammulated and Elf owls; Whip-poor-will and Common Poorwill; Greater Pewee; the localized Gray Vireo; Crissal Thrasher; Red-faced, Olive, and Virginia’s warblers; Painted Redstart; and Black-chinned Sparrow. Further north (Part II) the avifauna takes on a distinctly different flavor with Dusky Grouse, Lewis's Woodpecker, Williamson's and Red-naped sapsuckers, Three-toed Woodpecker, Gray and Hammond's flycatchers, Pinyon Jay, Mountain Bluebird, Townsend's Solitaire, Green-tailed Towhee, and Evening and Pine grosbeaks among the possibilities.

Good accommodations; easy to moderate terrain; some birding at elevations above 8,000 feet on Part II; easy to moderate walking; cool (mountains) to warm (deserts) climate.

View Barry Zimmer's Grand New Mexico 2009 Photo Gallery.