HawkWatch at Capilla Peak, Manzano Mountains

Sunday, September 29 – 7 am departure
Leader: Rick Rockman – 505-660-9972 or rockmanrjr@gmail.com

This full-day field trip is to a high-altitude lookout in the Manzano Mountains, and is appropriate for all levels of birders, especially those interested in raptors. A moderate-to-steep hike of approximately ½ mile leads to the rocky HawkWatch site, a raptor observing and banding station, on Capilla Peak, elevation 9,379 feet. The main objective of the group’s efforts is to track long-term population trends of diurnal raptors, primarily in western North America.

The lookout site offers a chance to see up to 18 species of raptors during the fall migration. The 12-mile road from the town of Manzano to the parking area near the summit is gravel and is usually in good condition. This field trip will last until 1:30-2 pm, and weather conditions can change quickly, so bring layers of clothing, a sturdy pair of shoes or boots, a raincoat and hat, water, lunch or snacks, sun protection and binoculars. You might also consider bringing a soft cushion to sit on, as the Capilla Peak lookout is situated on a shadeless rocky ledge. Meet at the parking lot next to Pecos Trail Café in Santa Fe at 7:00 am. Please park on Calle Espejo, off Old Pecos Trail. This trip is limited to 10 participants; please contact the trip leader via email to reserve a spot.

Upper Los Alamos Canyon

Saturday, May 4th – 8:00 am
Leader: Rene Laubach, renelaubach@gmail.com

We will walk 3.8 miles from scenic upper Los Alamos Canyon to Los Alamos Canyon Reservoir and back. The service-road grade is fairly easy and permits good group viewing. We will be seeking Red-naped Sapsucker, flycatchers, vireos and warblers as well as resident species such as Acorn Woodpecker and Stellerʼs Jay. Limited to 8 participants. Meet at 8 a.m. at the junction of West Road and Omega Road (just east of the Los Alamos County Ice Rink), where there is ample parking.

Contact Rene prior to May 4th for details and to register at renelaubach@gmail.com.

Caja del Rio – Santa Fe’s Back Yard

Rev. Andrew Black, Public Lands Field Director
National Wildlife Federation
Wednesday, April 10 – 7:00 p.m.
Randall Davey Audubon Center

Stretching along the Rio Grande from Buckman to La Bajada and east towards the city, the Caja covers approximately 107,000 acres of scenic, culturally rich and ecologically diverse landscapes. The Caja is considered an important bird area and includes incredible ecological diversity. Over the years, the Caja has suffered from vandalism to petroglyphs, illegal dumping, illegal OHV use and unregulated shooting. Andrew Black is a leader of the Caja del Rio Coalition, a diverse group dedicated to protecting and preserving the Caja. Through a dynamic presentation focused on the cultural, historical and wildlife values, Black will share what makes the Caja unique and the efforts being made to protect it.  

Evening Program: Birding the Midnight Sun

Birding the Midnight Sun
Tom Taylor, Chapter Board Member
Wednesday, Feb. 14 – 7:00 p.m. via Zoom

Join Tom Taylor as he takes you on a one-week June birding tour around Alaska. Stops in Anchorage, Nome and Barrow will feature the far-north scenery while introducing you to of a variety songbirds and waterfowl. These will include the much sought-after Arctic Warbler and Bluethroat that are spillover migrant species from Siberia.