Sierra County is one of the finest birding regions in the nation in terms of habitat diversity and potential for rarities.
The riparian habitat along the Rio Grande and its associated lakes is a paradise of egrets, herons, pelicans, grebes, and unusual avian sightings, and all three of Sierra County’s state parks (Percha Dam, Caballo and Elephant Butte) were recently designated by the Audubon Society as important birding areas.
The Gila wilderness is also a prime mountain birding habitat. To learn about the bird species you may see in the Gila download their birding checklist.
Local Birding Resources:
- Our “Birding in Sierra and Socorro Counties” brochure with southern New Mexico birding sites and a map
- New Mexico Ornithological Society (NMOS)
- Game and Fish’s documents (click each topic to access the pdfs) with general information & tips for the trail, plus info on the following areas:
Brochure: Birding Southern New Mexico
There are four different biolife zones within the borders of Sierra County and Socorro County — making for some of the best birding in the state.
More than 368 species of birds have been spotted at Socorro County’s Bosque del Apache alone.
Other birds you might see in Socorro and Sierra County include Warblers, Sparrows, Quail, Thrashers, Flycatchers, Bluebirds, Tanagers, Owls, Whip-Poor-Wills, Cranes, Hawks, Eagles, Terns, Sandpipers, Curlews, Ducks, Roadrunners, Grebes, Pelicans, Hummingbirds, Quail, Coots, Snow Geese, Cormorants, Jays, Chickadees, Juncos, Siskins, Osprey, and Vultures.
