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BIRDING IN HIDALGO COUNTY
Birding in Hidalgo County is one of the country's best-kept secrets. A little-known fact is that every bird found in the famous Chiricahua Mountains in nearby Arizona can also be found in Hidalgo County as well! The best places to find the southwestern specialties and the Mexican rarities are in the southern end of the Coronado National Forest, and in Guadalupe Canyon, both of which are accessible by the Geronimo Trail. Hidalgo County also features a highway Birding Trail, where highway signs direct birders to productive sites by following a Birding Trail map. These maps can be picked up at the Lordsburg-Hidalgo County Chamber of Commerce as well as at the Chiricahua Art Gallery in Rodeo. The gallery features the artwork of talented locals, including Narca Craig, who assisted in the production of the map.
Regarding the southern Coronado National Forest in the Peloncillo Mountains, James A. Lane, in his A Birder's Guide to Southeastern Arizona (L & P Press, 1977) states, "The best birding is usually in a wooded area in New Mexico (Hidalgo County) beyond the crest of the pass. Here, among the Emory and Silverleaf Oaks and Mexican Pinon Pines, you can find Band-tailed Pigeon, Gray-breasted Jay, Bridled Titmouse, Bushtit, Hepatic and Western Tanagers, Dusky-capped and Ash-throated Flycatchers, and Black-headed Grosbeak. A pair of Zone-tailed Hawks have nested in the pinons up the road above the picnic area". The Coronado National Forest even offers campgrounds along the Geronimo Trail at no fee. Since few nature lovers are aware of this well-kept birding secret, this area lacks the large crowds commonly found in the Chiricahua Mountains. The southern Coronado National Forest is more remote and therefore offers the birder more opportunity in sighting a new species in a more rustic setting.
Well known all over the country for its rare Mexican species, Guadalupe Canyon lies half in Cochise County, AZ and half in Hidalgo County, NM, and just north of the Mexican border. Entry into the canyon must be made from the Geronimo Trail in Arizona. James A. Lane, in his aforementioned book, calls Guadalupe Canyon, ".one of the most fascinating birding spots in the country". Mexican species such as the Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Thick-billed Kingbird, and the Buff-collared Nightjar were first recorded in the United States here. Also seen in the canyon are the varied bunting, Gila woodpecker, Vermillion Flycatcher, and even the Rufous-backed Robin.
Other birding hot spots in Hidalgo County include:
- The Lordsburg Waste Water Plant. Located just north of town, a good area to see waterfowl. Several species of ducks, as well as White-faced Ibis, Great Blue herons and Black-crowned night herons are seen here. There is a viewing platform for birders.
- The Gila River. Waterfowl such as ducks, Canada geese, sandhill cranes, herons and others can be found along the river near the town of Virden, as well as at the Lower Box Canyon, which is administered by the BLM, and near the small town of Redrock. The Black Hawk has been found in the Lower Box Canyon. Please respect private property.
- San Simon Cienega. Located off Highway 80 between Rodeo and Road Forks, this site is administered by the BLM. The area was a huge natural marsh that attracted many species of birds, but in recent years some of the ponds have dried up. However, it can still be productive. Beardless Tyrannulets, Bell's Vireos, Phainopeplas, Lucy's Warblers and Blue Grosbeaks can be found here. The least grebe was recorded here once.
- Interstate 10 Alkali Pond. Located on the south side of I-10 at the intersection of Highway 338, this pond attracts all kinds of waterfowl such as ducks, geese, gulls, avocets, stilts, and other shorebirds. A common loon was recorded here in 1998. The pond can be dry in years of the most severe droughts, although it normally has water in it.
A list of the birds of Hidalgo County can be obtained free of charge at the Lordsburg-Hidalgo County Chamber of Commerce. All of the above birding spots can be visited by using Lordsburg as a base. Lordsburg offers numerous motels and many restaurants a well as gas stations and other stores. Hidalgo County: from Indian pueblos to anti-terrorist training, it remains a land of contrasts as well as a land of opportunities. Either way, it's an excellent place to live.
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