Birding the Manzanos  and Manzanitas

Rosy-Finches of Sandia Crest

Cedar Crest Backyard Birds

USFS Check List: Birds of Sandia and Manzanita Mountains (PDF)

Recent Correspondence	Directions to Sandia Crest and  notes about Altitude Sickness, Handicap Access	Mile-by-Mile Birder's Guide to the Crest Road	History of the Rosy-Finch Feeder Project	Winter 2002-2005 Rosy Finch Progress Report
Cienega Picnic Area	"The Log" at Capulin Springs	Other Favorite Birding Areas Near Sandia Crest	Winter Plumage Changes in Rosy-Finches	Rosy-Finch  Embroidered Patch & T-shirt
Tuesday Morning BIRD WALKS IN SANDIAS May-Oct	PHOTO GALLERY with Panoramics of Sandias, Manzanos and Jemez Mtns.	List of Breeding Birds of Cienega Picnic Area	SPECIES PROFILE:  Red-naped Sapsucker
Effects of Bird Feeding on the Environment		Birding Tres Pistolas Open Space	Link to GPS Coordinates for Some Locations	County and Relief Maps of New Mexico

THE LOG AT CAPULIN SPRING-- A GREAT PLACE TO SIT AND WATCH MONTANE  BIRDS

As we drive to Sandia Crest from our home at 7000 ft. elevation in the Piñon-Oak-Juniper woodlands , we pass through the Ponderosa belt (7500-8000 ft.) into the  mixed conifer forest at about 8000-9500, then into the fir-spruce forest at the top. This provides a great variety of habitats for wildlife. The area suffered some wind damage and there are plans to make the viewing area more "birder friendly." For updated information, link to Ken's Blog and comments here.

One of our favorite stops on the way to Sandia Crest is the Capulin Spring Picnic Area in the Cibola National Forest in eastern Bernalillo County, which is east of Albuquerque.  A spring has been a constant supplier of fresh water to a hollowed out log that serves as a watering trough and a bird bath.  The best times of the year to visit the log are during spring and fall migration, but it can be productive any summer day as well.  We try to get there early in the morning, but it is usually reliable any time of day.  Since it is the only source of water in a wide area of a mixed conifer forest at about 8900 ft. elevation, it can attract almost any creature that calls the forest its home.

A slight bluff overlooks the log, permitting great views of its long axis from about 20 - 30 feet away.  We bring folding chairs and sit very quietly.  We have been rewarded with views not only of birds, but also deer, squirrels, chipmunks, weasels, and even a bear.  For those with limited mobility, there is a parking space level with the viewing area, only about 20 steps away.

Our list of birds seen at the log is quite long.  In addition to the permanent residents such as Steller's Jay, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Pine Siskin, Dark-eyed (Gray-headed) Junco, Red-naped Sapsucker, Brown Creeper and Hermit Thrush,  highlights include wintering Cassin's Finch, often with Clark's Nutcracker, Townsend's Solitaire, Red Crossbill, and Evening Grosbeak.  Usual summer residents are Warbling Vireo, Western Tanager, Band-tailed Pigeon, Black-throated Gray, MacGillivray's, Virginia's and Grace's Warbler, and Green-tailed Towhee.  Some summers find the Evening Grosbeak, Cassin's Finch and Red Crossbill staying on to breed. The Dusky Flycatcher arrives in early June and most years may be found in the extensive groves of small New Mexico Locust at the far (north) end of the Snow Play parking area just above the Spring (Enter the Snow Play Area by way of the gate which is closed to automobiles in summer, and walk directly, all the way in).  There is also a path that continues north, and the Duskies may be found less than a hundred yards into that grove of New Mexico Locusts).  Just after sunset in  June and July, Northern Pygmy-owl,  Flammulated Owl, and sometimes Saw-whet Owl and Common Poor-will may be heard nearby.

Van Sutherland took some photos of a Dark-eyed Junco that visited "The Log" during late May and early June 2003, a time when normally only the local resident Gray-headed race is present.  This bird has plumage characteristics of both Gray-headed race (strong rufous saddle on back, dark mask) and Pink-sided (brown on sides of breast), yet also has strong brown coloration extending into the flight feathers.  To see Van's two photos CLICK HERE and HERE

The Capulin Spring Picnic Area is on NM 536 (the road to Sandia Crest) about 8 miles west of its junction with NM 14; the latter is about 6.5 miles north of I-40, exit 175, which is about 12 miles east of Albuquerque city limits.

DIRECTIONS FROM ALBUQUERQUE:  Take I-40 East to Exit 175 (Cedar Crest/ NM 14). Exit 175 is about 20 miles East of the I-25 / I-40 intersection.  Exit right from I-40 but bear to the left and then pass under I-40 to the north, following NM-14.   Follow NM-14 signs North past Cedar Crest, total of about 6.5 miles, to NM 536 West, also known as the Crest Road or the road to the Sandia Ski Area.  There is a Shell station on the right side of the street just before the Left turn.  (I live off the 4.6 mile mark of NM-14).  Take NM-536 about 8 miles up to the Capulin Spring Picnic area, go in the narrow (one lane with two way traffic-- drive slowly) paved road about 1/2 mile to the loop at the end.  Park there, or better, at the pullout before the switchback , and walk to the little hill that overlooks the log and spring.  There is also room for several cars at the lower rest room area.  

After the snow has vanished, we hurry to visit Cienega Picnic area, located at about the 1.8 mile mark of the Crest Road (NM-536).  One of the marvels of living in a mountainous area is seeing how the flora and fauna can change with altitude.  While Sandia Crest still seems to be sleeping under a blanket of snow, early spring brings hordes of wildflowers and butterflies to Cienega and the associated Doc Long Picnic area/Bill Spring Trail.  

DIRECTIONS TO SANDIA CREST; HANDICAP ACCESS

Do not confuse the base of the Sandia Peak Ski Area, at the 7 mile mark, with Sandia Crest, at 13.5 miles, the very top. There are no Rosy-Finch feeders at the Ski Area!  The Tram from Albuquerque goes to the Peak, which is a mile south of the Crest.  The 1.5 mile trail connecting the Peak and Crest should not be attempted by casual hikers, especially in winter.  

Either:
Take I-40 East out of Albuquerque to Exit 175 (Cedar Crest/ NM 14). Exit 175 is about 20 miles East of the I-25 / I-40 intersection.  Exit right from I-40 but bear to the left and then (at the traffic light) pass under I-40 to the north, following NM-14

Or:
Take I-40 West from the Texas Panhandle to Exit 175 (Cedar Crest/ NM 14).  Exit right from I-40, and turn right on  NM-14 Northbound.

Then:
Follow NM-14 signs north past Cedar Crest, total of about 6.0 miles, to NM 536 westbound, also known as the Crest Road or the road to the Sandia Ski Area.  There is a Shell station on the right side of the street just before the left turn. 

Take NM-536 all the way to the top, about 13.5 miles (10,678 feet elevation). Look for Clark's Nutcrackers and Northern Pygmy-owl at the ski lift area, and Cassin's Finches and Pine Grosbeaks all along the higher reaches of the road.

The road to Sandia Crest, which is fully paved,  is usually well maintained (plowed and heavily sanded).  Because of the ski area, it is essential for the Forest Service to keep it open to the ski lifts,  which are about 2/3 of the way up the 13 miles to the top.  Sometimes after a particularly big snowfall, or if there is a lot of blowing snow, there can be drifts and early morning ice in the upper reaches.  Be particularly careful at curves and at stretches of road that are in the shade. We have never had trouble in our 4WD Nissan Pathfinder, and  a front wheel drive sedan should be able to make it even without chains if the road is sanded and there are no drifts.  If you arrive after a snowfall, call the Sandia Ranger District (281-3304) and ask about road conditions.  The State Highway Department Web page provides information about road conditions.  Note the date and time of the advisory as it may be out of date,

A GUIDE TO THE CREST ROAD, MILE BY MILE

Some may find this guide useful in reporting sightings along the Crest Road, more properly called the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway (NM 536).  There are mileposts most of the way, starting at NM 14, where NM 536 originates, up to Sandia Crest.  Elevation gain is 3,828 feet, and you may experience a drop in temperature of as much as 20 degrees, depending upon cloud cover and climate conditions (average about 11 degrees). Be sure to bring an extra layer of clothing at any time of year, a hat and sunscreen.  Every 1000 feet is the equivalent of traveling 300 to 600 miles northward-- like driving to Hudson Bay, Canada in a half hour!

Start birding the first mile (6,850'), where Scrub Jay, Townsend’s Solitaire, Western Bluebird, Spotted and Canyon Towhee, Bushtit, Mountain Chickadee and Juniper Titmouse may be found in roadside pastures,  door yards, and in the piñon-juniper woodland.  In summer, look for Black-headed and Blue Grosbeak, and Ash-throated Flycatchers.  Curve-billed Thrasher and Cedar Waxwing have been seen in Pyracanthas  at the edge of the Triangle Grocery Store parking lot. 

0.7 mile— The Sandia Park Pond appears on the left (south) side of the road.  Drought reduced it to a puddle, and it was deepened and provided with new rubber liner late in 2002. Unfortunately, the muddy shoreline that formerly attracted sandpipers has been replaced by cobbles set all along the perimeter.  It will probably be sterile for a few years.  It is still worth scanning any open water for resting  puddle ducks (Mallard, Cinnamon Teal, Green-winged Teal and Ring-necked Duck at times).  Ladder-backed Woodpecker and Red-naped Sapsucker may be seen in the Lombardy Poplar trees that border the pond.  During breeding season, Black-headed and Blue Grosbeak, Western Tanager and Lesser Goldfinch may be seen.  In August, 2005 a Brown Pelican made its appearance here.

1.6 mile— Enter Cibola National Forest (7,130'), as Ponderosa Pines and Gambel Oaks predominate. 

1.8 mile— On the left is the entrance to Cienega (CLICK for more detailed description)  and  Sulphur Canyon Picnic Areas (7,240').  Interior roads are closed most of the winter, but the parking area here and at Doc Long Picnic Area (2.0 miles) should be explored for Steller's Jay, Mountain Chickadee, Pygmy, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatch, Pine Siskin and Red Crossbill (most years), and Grace's Warbler in spring and summer.   Sharp-shinned Hawk and (rarely) Northern Goshawk have been seen in the woods adjacent to the parking areas and along the short trail that connects the Doc Long with  Sulphur Canyon Picnic Area.  Red-naped Sapsucker nests here and may be found any time of year.  During Spring and Summer, Cienega Canyon Picnic Area is great for Western Tanager, Plumbeous Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Virginia's and Grace's Warblers, Black-headed and Blue Grosbeak, and Cordilleran Flycatcher.  Sometimes Olive-sided Flycatcher is seen in the tall snags.  Of geologic interest, just between Cienega and Doc Long, is the "Great Unconformity," where  limestone deposited at the bottom of an ocean 300 million  years ago lies directly on top of granite that is 1.3 billion years old-- a gap that represents over a billion years of missing geologic history!

3.0 mile— Look for Northern Pygmy-owl along the road from here onward.  To the left, on the drier slope beneath the road, you may find Green-tailed Towhee during breeding season.  They often sing in the shrubs along the side of the road.  There are several pull-outs on the outside edge of the road-- plan to stop there more safely on the way back down and look/listen for the towhees.  During winter, this is also a pretty reliable place for Townsend's Solitaire.

3.3 mile

Old hollow tree up on the right, with many south facing woodpecker holes.  Check it out for owls.  Do not expect either the Northern Pygmy-owl or the Northern Saw-whet Owl to pose in their doorways, however.  Western Bluebird may also use these holes.  Violet-green Swallow also utilizes the woodpecker holes any where from here to the top of the drive.

4.1 mile— Tejano Canyon overlook (7,800-8,280') offers a sweeping view of the valley below.  Resident Red-tailed Hawk and other wandering raptors may be seen, especially as migration season begins.  White-throated Swift become more likely over open areas on the ascent.

5.0 mile— “The Hollow,” where Northern Saw-whet Owl sometimes appears at dusk and may call or respond to imitations of its call after dark and well into the night.  Check the woodpecker holes in trees to left side of road.  They do not normally sit at the entrance of a nest or roosting hole but may be seen nearby.

5.6 mile— Tree Spring Trailhead (8,480').  Clark’s Nutcracker has appeared here in winter when it was scarce at higher elevations.  Pygmy Nuthatch may be seen.  During breeding season, Grace's Warbler sings from the tips of the Ponderosas, which are gradually replaced by White Fir, Douglas-fir and Quaking Aspen over the next three miles.   Great Horned Owl is heard at night.  Northern Saw-whet Owl may be called up after dark, any time of year. During spring and summer, great for Flammulated Owl but don’t look for them in the winter!

6.0 mile— Dry Camp (8,640') has a few large Ponderosa snags that can attract woodpeckers: Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker, Hairy and Red-naped Sapsucker drum there in the spring.  Red Crossbill and Cassin’s Finch may be present during invasion winters.

6.2

 Another old "woodpecker tree" that may harbor owls.  Listen at and after dusk.

6.6 mile— The large turnout on the right has been good for Red Crossbill in past years.

7.0 mile— Sandia Ski Basin (8,609').  The Northern Pygmy-owl likes to sit on the wires next to the telephone pole at the right side of the road, about 100 yards past the driveway that serves the Ski lift area. During winter, Clark's Nutcracker may congregate along the ridge to the left to collect food scraps left by skiers.  Red-naped Sapsucker may be seen at roadside, nesting in the aspens and taking sap from the exotic Siberian Elm trees.  

7.5 mile— Balsam Glade (8,651') has an overlook at the end of the short trail that may yield raptors.  This is as high as I have ever seen Pygmy Nuthatch along the Crest Road.  It has been great for Red Crossbill and Red-breasted Nuthatch in past winters. In early February, 2004, over a dozen Wild Turkeys

were reintroduced here and are reproducing and are being seen at all elevations. The species, once common in the Sandias, had been absent for many years.  Panoramic view from Balsam Glade Overlook

8.1 mile— Capulin Spring and the Capulin Spring Snow Play Area (8,840') is the site of the famous “Log at Capulin Spring.”  Crowded during snow season and hard to find free parking, but Northern Pygmy-owl and Northern Saw-whet Owl may be found here during winter as it gets dark.  Far more pleasant is owl watching after sunset during  midday into early July, when the pygmy-owl is calling actively, and often Northern Saw-whet and Flammulated Owl can be heard.  The road into the Snow Play area is one of the better places to find Dusky Flycatcher, near the southern extent of its breeding range, in June and July.

9.0 mile—  Nine Mile Picnic Area (9,200') is closed in winter, but Pine Grosbeak has been reported in this area, and Cassin’s Finch and Red Crossbill may abound in good winters.  Warbling Vireo are numerous during May and June, and Gray-headed (Dark-eyed) Junco nests here. Williamson's Sapsucker  may breed in this area and at higher elevations.  Mixed conifers have now replaced the pines, and wild raspberries grow in open areas.  Both Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglet  may nest high up in the conifers from here up.  During winter and migration season, look for Merlin that may perch in the high snags along the road as you progress upward. Clark's Nutcracker usually becomes more common from here up.

9.5 to 11.0 mile— Here, a series of switchbacks offer good vantage points to search for winter finches and raptors.  Violet-green Swallow nests in the tall snags at the 10.5 mile switchback-- it arrives first week of April or even late March..   Park above the curves, and only if the shoulder is clear.  Never park on a curve. Obey parking restrictions.  

11.4 mile— 10K Trailhead (10,000') marks the beginning of the spruce-fir belt (PANORAMIC PHOTO).  It provides an open area where flocks of Rosy-Finch may forage during the winter.  Look for them along exposed rocky slopes.  Scope the vista for other winter finches and raptors.  Dusky Flycatcher may be found from June through August in an emerging aspen grove located near the south trailhead.  Walk up the slope but instead of following the trail, bear right (westward) and cross the old road cut uphill to the other side.  Within 100 yards of the Crest Road you will see a cleared area in which thousands of new aspens cover the ground.  Listen for the distinctive voice of the Duskies (pslick, BRREET, pseet) as they move between shrubs and set up on tops of taller trees.  Recent clear-cutting has changed the area to the north as well, and improved conditions for aspen propagation.  Some of the large trees were weakened and killed during the slash burning, raising hopes that American Three-toed Woodpecker may visit-- but be sure to look for this species up higher, as they were sighted at Sandia Crest in 2005.  This is an interesting area to explore in any season.  CLICK HERE FOR FOUR YEAR RESULTS OF 10-K TRAIL BREEDING BIRD SURVEY IN WORD FORMAT  (RTF FORMAT AVAILABLE HERE)

11.7 and 12.0— Two large switchbacks also offer good viewing.  Pine Grosbeak has been seen at 12.0.

12.3 mile— Ellis Trailhead (10,260') also offers views to the right (north), where Rosy-finch may gather.  During mid-winter, Pine Grosbeak may be seen 100 yards or so upslope (to south) along the groomed alpine ski trail.  Do not disturb the ski tracks-- walk along the edges where the snow is undisturbed.  

13.0 mile— Final big switchback (10,540').  Note the protective raptor perches on the power poles where the lines pass over the highway.  Not safe to park here, but look for Pine Grosbeak and Northern Goshawk, both reported here during winter of 2001-2. Vegetation is now largely spruce and fir.

13.5 mile— Sandia Crest parking lot. (VIEW TO THE SOUTH FROM OBSERVATION AREA) During the winter, enter the first lot and check out the feeders from below, before going up to the final level and viewing Rosy-finch from inside the Crest House!  In summer, scan for White-throated Swift.  During the warmer months, a walk south along the Crest Trail leads through a sub-Alpine forest with interpretive signs, to Kiwanis Meadow, where nesting Green-tailed Towhees and (Audubon's) Yellow-rumped Warbler abound.  Both Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglet nest high in the spruce and fir trees here.  The trail also leads north, just east of the electronic communication tower site.  House Wren is here in the summer, and Gray-headed (Dark-eyed) Junco may be found all year round.  TWO AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKERS were photographed on June 4, 2005 on Sandia Crest east of Albuquerque on the trail that leads to the Kiwanis Meadows from the lower parking lot.  They were 100 yards down from the gate at the south end of the lot near several downed trees on the left hand side of the trail.  There were signs of trees with their bark stripped.  There was still snow up there.  A drumming male was then seen on June 5, 2005, and several times through the next year. A male was again seen drumming on June 3, 2006, just east of Kiwanis Meadow. These are the first confirmed sightings of this species in the Sandias after an absence of over 9 years.

BIRDING NEAR SANDIA CREST

Winter walks in Tres Pistolas or Three Gun Spring Open Space (Albuquerque Journal Story) , the entrance point to spring Hawk Watch (CLICK HERE FOR A PANORAMIC VIEW), jointly  acquired by the City of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County and the National Forest) may yield (Slate-colored) Fox Sparrow.  The Rufous-crowned Sparrow is a resident here and in the western foothills of the Sandias.  Some Crissal and Curve-billed Thrashers, as well as Scaled Quail are found here and in Elena Gallegos Picnic Area (a County Open Space Park), north of Academy on Tramway

During the warmer months, a nice place for migrants and particularly for breeding Hepatic Tanager and Black-throated Gray Warbler is the southern end of the South Crest Trail, at the north end of the Canyon Estates Subdivision.  To reach this area, take I-40 east from Albuquerque and exit 175-- stay to the right as exiting (towards NM 337 and Tijeras, NOT Cedar Crest) and immediately turn left under I-40 as if you were going to make a U-turn back west to Albuquerque-- but as you pass to the north under the highway, bear to the right and continue up Arrow Head (a Dead End road).  Travel 0.7 miles all the way into and past the Canyon Estates Subdivision to the small parking area at the trail head. The pleasant 1/2 mile walk, mostly in shade, takes you along an inconstant  stream to a waterfall that has extensive travertine deposits and a cave under it.  It is fed by a spring and a watercress-filled creek above it.  I have seen Townsend's Solitaire with fledglings in summer, Canyon Wren (on the cliffs above the waterfall), Band-tailed Pigeon, and one spring saw a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak.   In the fall, look for Townsend's Warbler.

Manzano Open Space
We often found Pinyon Jays in the Manzano-Four Hills Open Space.  This area is along the east margin of the Four Hills Subdivision in SE Albuquerque.  Take Tramway Boulevard south from I-40 past Smith's supermarket, curving to the left (east) to the "T" intersection with Four Hills Road SE.  Go south on Four Hills Rd 0.5 mile to the "Y" where it meets Stagecoach Road SE.  Follow Stagecoach to the left (east) about another 0.4 miles, where it turns to the right (south).  From this point to the end of Stagecoach road there are a number of dead end streets to the left, one or two of which have marked trail heads.  There are Piñon Pines and exotic conifers (which sometimes have seed when the natives do not) in the back yards along the street, as well as Piñons in the savannah to the east (the open space extends toward the Manzanito Mountain foothills and Kirtland Air Force Base). We often found Western and Mountain Bluebirds, as well as raptors there in the winter.

You may also see flocks of Pinyon Jays in the Albuquerque Foothills, the open space area that is east of Tramway and west of the Sandia Mountains, i.e., that stretch of Tramway north of I-40.  There are trail heads at the east end of Indian School Road \.  Here is a link to Albuquerque Open Spaces that includes maps:

Central NM Audubon Society sponsors frequent field trips, including local bird walks almost every Thursday morning.
Visit  Surfbirds.com for world birding news.

Support NM Department of  Game and Fish Non-Game Share with WIldlife Program.  Visit their Web page for lists of  Threatened and Endangered Species, and lists of projects.

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