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Shipman's field notes, Sep 2012

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2012-09-01: NM: Socorro to Melrose Woods

Notable:  Yellow-billed Cuckoo; Orange-crowned Warbler; Townsend's Warbler; Clay-colored Sparrow; Painted Bunting
@Mel: Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
@TBay: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
@day: Socorro to Melrose Woods
@road1: US-60 from I-25 to Torrance County
@road2: US-60 from start of Torrance County to Mountainair
@road3: US-60, Willard to Encino
@road4: US-60, Encino to Vaughn
@road5: US-60, Vaughn to Yeso
@road6: US-60, Yeso to Fort Sumner
@road7: US-60, Melrose Woods to Curry County
@road8: US-60, Curry County to Clovis
Route
0750-0815, Socorro: Turtle Bay.
1220-1445, Melrose Woods.
Vulture, Turkey 
@US-60, Willard to Encino
# @US-60, Vaughn to Yeso
Buteo sp. @US-60 from I-25 to Torrance County
Hawk, Swainson's 1 @US-60, Vaughn to Yeso
Kestrel, American 
@US-60 from I-25 to Torrance County
1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Pigeon, Rock # @US-60, Curry County to Clovis
Collared-Dove, Eurasian # @US-60, Curry County to Clovis
Dove, White-winged # @New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
Dove, Mourning @US-60 from I-25 to Torrance County
Cuckoo, Yellow-billed 1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
2012-09-01-69232012-09-01-6927
Hummingbird, Rufous 1♂ @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
2012-09-01-69642012-09-01-6966
Kingfisher, Belted 1 @New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
Woodpecker, Red-headed 1a @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
2012-09-01-6919
Wood-Pewee, Western # @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Empidonax sp. @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
2012-09-01-68812012-09-01-68842012-09-01-68852012-09-01-68912012-09-01-6888
Individual #1.
Jay, Pinyon # @US-60 from I-25 to Torrance County
raven sp. 
@US-60 from start of Torrance County to Mountainair
@US-60, Willard to Encino
@US-60, Encino to Vaughn
50 @US-60, Melrose Woods to Curry County
Raven, Chihuahuan 
1 @US-60, Vaughn to Yeso
@US-60, Yeso to Fort Sumner
Wren, House # @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Starling, European # @New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
Warbler, Orange-crowned @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
2012-09-01-69152012-09-01-69072012-09-01-69032012-09-01-68992012-09-01-68972012-09-01-69002012-09-01-6909
Warbler, Yellow 1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Warbler, Audubon's 1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Warbler, Townsend's 1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
2012-09-01-6961
Warbler, Wilson's 
1 @New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
# @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Sparrow, Clay-colored 2 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
2012-09-01-69542012-09-01-69532012-09-01-69582012-09-01-69342012-09-01-69362012-09-01-69392012-09-01-69412012-09-01-69442012-09-01-69452012-09-01-69492012-09-01-6948
Bunting, Painted 1♀ @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Grackle, Great-tailed 
# @New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
# @US-60, Curry County to Clovis

2012-09-02: NM: Melrose Woods, Boone's Draw

Notable:  Eastern Kingbird; Blue-headed Vireo; Orchard Oriole
@BD: Boone's Draw
@BL: Bitter Lake NWR
@Chp: Brantley Lake: Champion Cove Road
@Mel: Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
@day: Melrose Woods, Boone's Draw
@road1: Melrose Woods to Melrose
@road2: NM-267^S, Roosevelt County, to NM-330^S
@road3: NM-330^S to NM-480^E
@road4: NM-480^E, from NM-330^S to Boone's Draw
Route
0540-0800, Melrose Woods, starting in moonlight.
0900-1145, Boone's Draw on foot.
1320-1405, Bitter Lake NWR.
Gadwall # @Bitter Lake NWR
Teal, Cinnamon # @Bitter Lake NWR
Pintail, Northern # @Bitter Lake NWR
Teal, Green-Winged # @Bitter Lake NWR
Grebe, Pied-billed 1 @Brantley Lake: Champion Cove Road
Pelican, American White 4 @Bitter Lake NWR
Egret, Great 
# @Bitter Lake NWR
# @Brantley Lake: Champion Cove Road
Ibis, White-faced 1 @Bitter Lake NWR
Vulture, Turkey # @Boone's Draw
Hawk, Swainson's @NM-267^S, Roosevelt County, to NM-330^S
Kestrel, American 
1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
@NM-267^S, Roosevelt County, to NM-330^S
Coot, American # @Bitter Lake NWR
Yellowlegs, Greater # @Bitter Lake NWR
Yellowlegs, Lesser 
1 @Bitter Lake NWR
1 @Brantley Lake: Champion Cove Road
Sandpiper, Baird's # @Bitter Lake NWR
Dove, Mourning 
# @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
# @Boone's Draw
Woodpecker, Red-headed 
1a @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
1i @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
1i @Boone's Draw
Woodpecker, Ladder-backed 1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Flycatcher, Olive-sided 1 @Boone's Draw
Vocalizations: 'hic-three-beers'
2012-09-02-70132012-09-02-70172012-09-02-7018
Wood-Pewee, Western # @Boone's Draw
Empidonax sp. 
@Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
# @Boone's Draw
Kingbird, Western # @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Kingbird, Eastern 1 @Boone's Draw
Description: Kingbird shape, entire upperparts dark, entire underparts white. The picture is not diagnostic, but I did get a good look through 10x42 binoculars at about 40 yards for about 30 seconds.
2012-09-02-7006
Vireo, Blue-headed 1 @Boone's Draw
2012-09-02-70122012-09-02-70092012-09-02-70102012-09-02-7011
The first photo is the only one that shows the clean separation between the dark of the face and the white of the throat.
Scrub-Jay, Western 1? @Boone's Draw
Raven, Chihuahuan # @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Wren, House # @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Thrasher, Curve-billed 1 @NM-330^S to NM-480^E
Starling, European # @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Warbler, Yellow 
# @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
@Boone's Draw
2012-09-02-7008
Warbler, MacGillivray's 1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Warbler, Wilson's 
# @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
@Boone's Draw
Sparrow, Chipping 
# @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
2012-09-02-6979
# @Boone's Draw
Bunting, Lark # @NM-480^E, from NM-330^S to Boone's Draw
Grosbeak, Black-headed 1♀ @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
meadowlark sp. @Melrose Woods to Melrose
Oriole, Orchard 1♀ @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
2012-09-02-69732012-09-02-6974

2012-09-03: NM: Rattlesnake Springs to Socorro

Notable:  Vermilion Flycatcher; Townsend's Warbler
@BdA: Bosque del Apache NWR
@CDUA: Cottonwood Day Use Area
@Hinch: Capitan: Helen Hinch Memorial Park
@RS: Rattlesnake Springs
@day: Rattlesnake Springs to Socorro
@road1: Artesia: Atoka Road area
@road2: US 70-380^W, Roswell to Picacho
@road3: Lincoln
@road4: Salazar Canyon
@road5: Bingham to San Antonio
@road6: Socorro County A-101, San Antonio to Luis Lopez
Route
0630-0900, Rattlesnake Springs.
0930-0950, Cottonwood Day Use Area.
1320-1355, Salazar Canyon.
1600-1700, Bosque del Apache NWR.
Turkey, Wild # @Rattlesnake Springs
2012-09-03-7038
The awful photo shows a half-grown turkey chick with an adult for scale.
Heron, Great Blue # @Bosque del Apache NWR
Vulture, Turkey # @Rattlesnake Springs
Hawk, Swainson's 1 @Artesia: Atoka Road area
Hawk, Red-tailed 1 @Bingham to San Antonio
Coot, American 1 @Capitan: Helen Hinch Memorial Park
Dove, White-winged # @Rattlesnake Springs
Dove, Mourning # @Rattlesnake Springs
Cuckoo, Yellow-billed 1 @Rattlesnake Springs
2012-09-03-7046
Roadrunner, Greater 1 @Socorro County A-101, San Antonio to Luis Lopez
Phoebe, Black 1 @Bosque del Apache NWR
Flycatcher, Vermilion 
# @Rattlesnake Springs
2012-09-03-70472012-09-03-7051
1♂ @Bosque del Apache NWR
2012-09-03-7081
Kingbird, Cassin's # @Rattlesnake Springs
Kingbird, Western 
1 @Cottonwood Day Use Area
1 @Capitan: Helen Hinch Memorial Park
@Bosque del Apache NWR
Shrike, Loggerhead 
1 @Rattlesnake Springs
1 @Artesia: Atoka Road area
Vireo, Bell's # @Rattlesnake Springs
Scrub-Jay, Western 1 @Lincoln
Raven, Chihuahuan # @US 70-380^W, Roswell to Picacho
Raven, Common 6 @Salazar Canyon
Robin, American 1 @Salazar Canyon
Mockingbird, Northern # @Rattlesnake Springs
Warbler, Yellow # @Rattlesnake Springs
Warbler, Townsend's 1 @Rattlesnake Springs
Warbler, Wilson's # @Rattlesnake Springs
Chat, Yellow-breasted # @Rattlesnake Springs
Sparrow, Chipping 
# @Rattlesnake Springs
2012-09-03-70292012-09-03-7031
# @Bosque del Apache NWR
Sparrow, Brewer's 
# @Rattlesnake Springs
@Bosque del Apache NWR
Sparrow, Vesper 2 @Bosque del Apache NWR
2012-09-03-7078
Sparrow, Lark # @Artesia: Atoka Road area
Bunting, Lark 1 @Rattlesnake Springs
Tanager, Summer # @Rattlesnake Springs
Tanager, Western 1♀ @Bosque del Apache NWR
Cardinal, Northern # @Rattlesnake Springs
Grosbeak, Blue 
# @Rattlesnake Springs
# @Bosque del Apache NWR
Blackbird, Yellow-headed 400 @Capitan: Helen Hinch Memorial Park
2012-09-03-70682012-09-03-7071
Finch, House # @Rattlesnake Springs

2012-09-04: NM: I-25: S of Belen

@I25: I-25: S of Belen
Egret, Cattle 100 @I-25: S of Belen
In a field near the interstate.

2012-09-08: NM: Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay

@TBay: Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
Heron, Green 1 @Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
Collared-Dove, Eurasian # @Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
Dove, White-winged 1 @Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
Kingfisher, Belted 2 @Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
Empidonax sp. # @Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
Phoebe, Black 1 @Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
Robin, American # @Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
Warbler, Wilson's # @Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
Sparrow, Lincoln's 1 @Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
Tanager, Summer 1 @Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay

2012-09-09: NM: Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay

@TBay: Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
domestic goose sp. 12 [uncountable] @Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
Wigeon, American 2 @Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
Kingfisher, Belted 1 @Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
Phoebe, Black 1 @Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
Vireo, Warbling 1 @Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
Wren, House 1 @Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
Warbler, Wilson's # @Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
Tanager, Western 1♀ @Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay
Grosbeak, Black-headed 1 @Socorro: New Mexico Tech: Turtle Bay

2012-09-12: NM: Socorro: 507 Fitch

@home: Socorro: 507 Fitch
Thrasher, Curve-billed 1 @Socorro: 507 Fitch
Vocalizations: Much of the 'whick^2' alarm call, and an actual song delivered from the top of a power pole.

2012-09-21: NM: Bosque del Apache NWR

@BdA: Bosque del Apache NWR
I didn't see any actual elk, but I heard a lot of bugling and snorting from the Seasonal Road.
Turkey, Wild 20 @Bosque del Apache NWR
2012-09-21-70992012-09-21-7109
Cormorant, Neotropic 2 @Bosque del Apache NWR
2012-09-21-7115
Dove, Mourning # @Bosque del Apache NWR
Vireo, Warbling 1 @Bosque del Apache NWR
Warbler, Audubon's # @Bosque del Apache NWR
2012-09-21-7095
Tanager, Summer 1 @Bosque del Apache NWR
Tanager, Western 1♀ @Bosque del Apache NWR
Blackbird, Red-winged # @Bosque del Apache NWR

2012-09-22: NM: Socorro County

Notable:  Western Scrub-Jay; Gray-headed Junco
@BdA: Bosque del Apache NWR
@Soc: Socorro area
@SocCo: Socorro County
@road1: Socorro Co.: Luis Lopez to San Antonio via A-101
@road2: Socorro Co.: San Antonio to Bosque del Apache
Goose, Canada # @Bosque del Apache NWR
Pintail, Northern # @Bosque del Apache NWR
Duck, Ruddy # @Bosque del Apache NWR
2012-09-22-7171
Quail, Gambel's 1 @Socorro Co.: San Antonio to Bosque del Apache
2012-09-22-7136
Cormorant, Neotropic 4 @Bosque del Apache NWR
Pelican, American White 5 @Bosque del Apache NWR
2012-09-22-7167
Heron, Great Blue 1 @Bosque del Apache NWR
Egret, Great 1 @Bosque del Apache NWR
Ibis, White-faced 10 @Bosque del Apache NWR
Vulture, Turkey 12 @Socorro Co.: Luis Lopez to San Antonio via A-101
Hawk, Red-tailed 1 @Socorro area
Kestrel, American 
2012-09-22-7140
1♂ @Socorro Co.: San Antonio to Bosque del Apache
1♀ @Socorro Co.: San Antonio to Bosque del Apache
Pigeon, Rock # @Socorro area
Dove, White-winged # @Socorro Co.: Luis Lopez to San Antonio via A-101
Dove, Mourning # @Bosque del Apache NWR
Flicker, Red-shafted 1 @Bosque del Apache NWR
Phoebe, Say's 
1 @Socorro Co.: Luis Lopez to San Antonio via A-101
1 @Socorro area
Kingbird, Cassin's 1 @Bosque del Apache NWR
2012-09-22-71902012-09-22-7189
Scrub-Jay, Western 3 @Socorro Co.: Luis Lopez to San Antonio via A-101
In cottonwoods near County A-101.
2012-09-22-71312012-09-22-7134
Raven, Chihuahuan 100 @Socorro Co.: Luis Lopez to San Antonio via A-101
In a newly mown field.
Swallow, Cliff # @Bosque del Apache NWR
Swallow, Barn # @Bosque del Apache NWR
Wren, Bewick's 1 @Bosque del Apache NWR
Vocalizations: Call sort of a 'bweet' note.
Wren, House 1 @Bosque del Apache NWR
Warbler, Audubon's # @Bosque del Apache NWR
Warbler, Wilson's 1 @Bosque del Apache NWR
Sparrow, Chipping # @Bosque del Apache NWR
Sparrow, Brewer's 1 @Socorro area
Hope Farms Road area.
2012-09-22-72002012-09-22-7198
Sparrow, Vesper 1 @Bosque del Apache NWR
Sparrow, Song 2 @Bosque del Apache NWR
Heard only, in the reeds near Catbird Corner on the Seasonal Road.
Vocalizations: 'beerp' call
Sparrow, White-crowned 1 @Bosque del Apache NWR
Junco, Gray-headed 1 @Bosque del Apache NWR
2012-09-22-71592012-09-22-7163
First of the season.
Grackle, Great-tailed # @Socorro Co.: San Antonio to Bosque del Apache
Goldfinch, Lesser # @Socorro area

2012-09-25: NM: Socorro: 507 Fitch

@home: Socorro: 507 Fitch
Thrasher, Curve-billed 1 @Socorro: 507 Fitch
Siskin, Pine # @Socorro: 507 Fitch
Goldfinch, Lesser # @Socorro: 507 Fitch

2012-09-27: NM: Socorro to Rattlesnake Springs

Notable:  Osprey
@Cheap: Brantley Lake: Champion Cove Road
@Hinch: Capitan: Helen Hinch Memorial Park
@RS: Rattlesnake Springs
@day: Socorro to Rattlesnake Springs
@road01: Socorro to San Antonio
@road02: US-380^e: San Antonio to Bingham
@road03: US-380^e: Bingham to Lincoln County line
@road04: US-380^e: Indian Divide to Capitan
@road05: US-380^e: Lincoln to Hondo
@road06: US-70^e: Hondo to Picacho
@road07: US-70^e: Picacho to Riverside
@road08: Roswell: ^e to ^s bypass
@road09: US-285^s: Artesia to Brantley Lake
@road10: Carlsbad: ^s to ^w bypass
@road11: US 62-180: Carlsbad to Rattlesnake Springs
Missed The famous Piratic Flycatcher was seen for over a week at Rattlesnake Springs, but not seen today. I had a pleasant time chatting with four birders who had flown in from Delaware, only to arrive one day too late.
Mallard # @Capitan: Helen Hinch Memorial Park
Duck, Ruddy # @Brantley Lake: Champion Cove Road
Quail, Scaled 15 @Rattlesnake Springs
Pelican, American White 10 @Brantley Lake: Champion Cove Road
Heron, Great Blue 2 @Brantley Lake: Champion Cove Road
Egret, Great # @Brantley Lake: Champion Cove Road
Vulture, Turkey 
@Socorro to San Antonio
@US-380^e: Indian Divide to Capitan
1 @US-70^e: Picacho to Riverside
# @Roswell: ^e to ^s bypass
# @US-285^s: Artesia to Brantley Lake
@Carlsbad: ^s to ^w bypass
# @Rattlesnake Springs
Osprey 2 @Brantley Lake: Champion Cove Road
2012-09-27-72162012-09-27-7220
Hawk, Sharp-shinned 1 @Rattlesnake Springs
Hawk, Swainson's @US-380^e: San Antonio to Bingham
Coot, American 
2 @Capitan: Helen Hinch Memorial Park
# @Brantley Lake: Champion Cove Road
Pigeon, Rock # @US 62-180: Carlsbad to Rattlesnake Springs
Collared-Dove, Eurasian 
2 @US-380^e: Lincoln to Hondo
@Carlsbad: ^s to ^w bypass
Dove, White-winged 1 @Rattlesnake Springs
Dove, Mourning 
# @US-380^e: Bingham to Lincoln County line
20 @US-380^e: Lincoln to Hondo
@Carlsbad: ^s to ^w bypass
# @US 62-180: Carlsbad to Rattlesnake Springs
Owl, Great Horned 2 @Rattlesnake Springs
Flicker, Red-shafted 1 @US-380^e: Indian Divide to Capitan
raven sp. 
@Socorro to San Antonio
2 @US-380^e: Bingham to Lincoln County line
Raven, Chihuahuan 1 @Capitan: Helen Hinch Memorial Park
Raven, Common # @US-380^e: Indian Divide to Capitan
Warbler, Orange-crowned 1 @Rattlesnake Springs
Warbler, Wilson's # @Rattlesnake Springs
Sparrow, Chipping # @Rattlesnake Springs
Sparrow, Vesper 1 @Brantley Lake: Champion Cove Road
2012-09-27-7210
Sparrow, White-crowned 
1 @Capitan: Helen Hinch Memorial Park
1 @Rattlesnake Springs
Tanager, Summer # @Rattlesnake Springs
Tanager, Western 2 @Rattlesnake Springs
Grosbeak, Blue 1♀ @Rattlesnake Springs
Blackbird, Yellow-headed 1 @Capitan: Helen Hinch Memorial Park
Grackle, Great-tailed # @US 62-180: Carlsbad to Rattlesnake Springs
Goldfinch, Lesser # @Rattlesnake Springs
Sparrow, House # @US-70^e: Hondo to Picacho

2012-09-28: NM: Rattlesnake Springs to Hobbs

Notable:  Osprey; Western Scrub-Jay; Black-throated Gray Warbler; Townsend's Warbler
@Oco: Hobbs: Ocotillo Park
@RS: Rattlesnake Springs
@WR: Washington Ranch
@day: Rattlesnake Springs to Hobbs
@road01: US 62-180^e: Washington Ranch to Carlsbad
Teal, Blue-winged 10 @Washington Ranch
2012-09-28-72722012-09-28-72662012-09-28-7269
Quail, Scaled 3 @Rattlesnake Springs
Turkey, Wild 20 @Rattlesnake Springs
Grebe, Pied-billed 1 @Washington Ranch
Vulture, Turkey # @Rattlesnake Springs
Osprey 2 @Rattlesnake Springs
Hawk, Red-tailed 1 @US 62-180^e: Washington Ranch to Carlsbad
Collared-Dove, Eurasian # @Hobbs: Ocotillo Park
Dove, Mourning # @Rattlesnake Springs
Sapsucker, Red-naped 1 @Rattlesnake Springs
Flicker, Red-shafted 1 @Rattlesnake Springs
Kingbird, Cassin's 1 @Rattlesnake Springs
Scrub-Jay, Western 2 @Rattlesnake Springs
2012-09-28-72422012-09-28-72432012-09-28-7236
Swallow, Cave # @Rattlesnake Springs
Wren, House # @Rattlesnake Springs
Kinglet, Ruby-crowned 1 @Hobbs: Ocotillo Park
Thrush, Hermit 2 @Rattlesnake Springs
Vocalizations: 'chewp' note
Mockingbird, Northern @Rattlesnake Springs
1a @Rattlesnake Springs
Vocalizations: Adult giving the 'chep' call that I usually associate with the 'chep'/'whee' duet between parent and fledgling.
1i @Rattlesnake Springs
In the scrubland west of the pond area.
2012-09-28-72292012-09-28-7233
The ID gave me problems for a minute or two, due to the breast spotting and the bill, which was smaller and straighter than adult size.
Warbler, Orange-crowned 1 @Rattlesnake Springs
Warbler, Black-throated Gray 1 @Rattlesnake Springs
2012-09-28-72522012-09-28-7248
Warbler, Townsend's 1 @Rattlesnake Springs
2012-09-28-7222
Warbler, Wilson's 1 @Rattlesnake Springs
Chat, Yellow-breasted # @Rattlesnake Springs
Sparrow, Lincoln's 1 @Rattlesnake Springs
Tanager, Summer # @Rattlesnake Springs
2012-09-28-7263
Tanager, Western # @Rattlesnake Springs
Cardinal, Northern # @Rattlesnake Springs
Grosbeak, Blue 1♀ @Rattlesnake Springs

2012-09-29: NM: Hobbs to Melrose Woods

Notable:  Broad-winged Hawk; Blue Jay; Chestnut-sided Warbler; Black-throated Green Warbler; Black-and-white Warbler
@ECem: NM-330^n: Elida Cemetery
@GML: Hobbs: Green Meadow Lake
GPS: 3245n 10310w This small artificial lake has been here since the 1960s.
@HCP: Hobbs: City Park
@Lov: Lovington
@Mel: Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
@Oco: Hobbs: Ocotillo Park
@day: Hobbs to Melrose Woods
@road01: NM-206^n: Lovington to Tatum
@road02: NM-206^n: Tatum to Cross-Roads
@road03: NM-206^n: start Roosevelt County to Milnesand
@road04: NM-206^n: Milnesand to Pep
@road05: NM-206^n: Pep to Dora
@road06: NM-114^w: Dora to Elida
@road07: NM-330^n: Elida to NM-267
@road08: NM-267^n: from NM-330 to Curry County
Route Weather was mostly rain until I was well north of Tatum. Meanwhile, John Parmeter was having what he called his best day ever in Melrose Trap, but most of the good stuff was gone by 1450 when I got there. Still, the Chestnut-sided Warbler at Ocotillo, not to mention the Blue Jay in Hobbs City Park, made me glad I was there despite the rotten weather.
Duck, Ring-necked 2♂ @Hobbs: Green Meadow Lake
2012-09-29-7295
Grebe, Pied-billed 1 @Hobbs: Green Meadow Lake
2012-09-29-7291
Hawk, Sharp-shinned # @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Hawk, Broad-winged 1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Hawk, Swainson's 
2 @NM-206^n: Lovington to Tatum
2012-09-29-73392012-09-29-73362012-09-29-7343
4 @NM-206^n: Tatum to Cross-Roads
2 @NM-206^n: Pep to Dora
Kestrel, American 
1 @NM-206^n: Tatum to Cross-Roads
1 @NM-330^n: Elida to NM-267
1♂ @NM-267^n: from NM-330 to Curry County
1♂ @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Coot, American 2 @Hobbs: Ocotillo Park
Dove, White-winged # @Hobbs: City Park
Dove, Mourning 
# @Hobbs: City Park
# @NM-206^n: Milnesand to Pep
Empidonax sp. 1 @Hobbs: Ocotillo Park
Flycatcher, Least 
# @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
1 @Hobbs: Ocotillo Park
2012-09-29-7302
ID questionable; based on short bill, short primary extension.
Kingbird, Cassin's 
1 @NM-114^w: Dora to Elida
2012-09-29-7346
1 @NM-330^n: Elida Cemetery
2012-09-29-7349
Flycatcher, Scissor-tailed 3 @NM-206^n: Lovington to Tatum
Vocalizations: First time I've heard any of these singing. The song was quite remarkable, having some elements like the Western Kingbird's 'kweek-a-dirp', but much more elaborate, longer, and soaring much higher in pitch.
2012-09-29-73232012-09-29-73272012-09-29-7316
Shrike, Loggerhead 1 @NM-206^n: start Roosevelt County to Milnesand
Vireo, Cassin's 1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Vireo, Blue-headed ? @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
2012-09-29-7357
Yes, this is a rotten picture and no, I didn't get a good look at the bird. Strictly guesswork here.
Jay, Blue 1 @Hobbs: City Park
2012-09-29-72862012-09-29-7284
Raven, Chihuahuan 30 @Hobbs: Ocotillo Park
2012-09-29-73052012-09-29-7306
Two more data points in the discussion about how far the feathering extends over the upper mandible, compared to Common Raven. For both these birds it looks to extend well over halfway. Whether this is diagnostic is still unclear in my mind. These were silent, but should be Chihuahuans; John Parmeter says he has never seen a Common Raven in Lea County.
Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray 1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
2012-09-29-73912012-09-29-7392
Kinglet, Ruby-crowned 
1 @NM-206^n: Pep to Dora
# @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
2012-09-29-7400
Thrush, Hermit # @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Robin, American 1 @Lovington
Mockingbird, Northern 1 @NM-206^n: Lovington to Tatum
Starling, European # @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Warbler, Orange-crowned # @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Warbler, Chestnut-sided 1 @Hobbs: Ocotillo Park
Seen from the golf course's perimeter road on the east side.
Description: Gray underparts, two yellow-green wingbars, yellow-green back and crown, face gray with complete, prominent white eye-ring.
Got about a ten-second look and it vanished; no photos, alas.
Warbler, Audubon's 
1 @NM-330^n: Elida to NM-267
# @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Warbler, Myrtle 1 @NM-330^n: Elida Cemetery
Warbler, Black-throated Green 1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Warbler, Townsend's 1 @Hobbs: Ocotillo Park
In mesquite scrub near the north end of the road that parallels the old runway.
Warbler, Black-and-white 2 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
2012-09-29-73822012-09-29-73852012-09-29-73702012-09-29-7387
Warbler, Wilson's # @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
2012-09-29-7353
Sparrow, Brewer's 1 @NM-114^w: Dora to Elida
Sparrow, Vesper 
1 @NM-114^w: Dora to Elida
# @NM-330^n: Elida to NM-267
Sparrow, White-crowned 1i @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Junco, Gray-headed 2 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
2012-09-29-7378
meadowlark sp. 1 @NM-206^n: Milnesand to Pep

2012-09-30: NM: Melrose Woods to Socorro

Notable:  Broad-winged Hawk; Eastern Phoebe; Western Scrub-Jay; Common Raven; Brown Thrasher
@Mel: Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
@day: Melrose Woods to Socorro
@road01: US-60^w: Melrose Woods to De Baca County
@road02: US-60^w: Fort Sumner to Yeso
@road03: US-60^w: Yeso to Guadalupe County
@road04: US-60^w: Guadalupe County to Vaughn
@road05: US-60^w: Vaughn to Torrance County
@road06: US-60^w: Encino to Willard
@road07: US-60^w: Willard to Mountainair
@road08: I-25^s: Bernardo to Socorro
Vulture, Turkey 
3 @US-60^w: Fort Sumner to Yeso
1 @US-60^w: Guadalupe County to Vaughn
1 @US-60^w: Willard to Mountainair
# @I-25^s: Bernardo to Socorro
Harrier, Northern 1 @US-60^w: Melrose Woods to De Baca County
Hawk, Sharp-shinned 1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
2012-09-30-7476
The size difference between this little guy and the Cooper's Hawk in the same tree was dramatic. Also note the broad red-brown streaking of the underparts, compared to the narrower, darker streaking of the Coop.
Hawk, Cooper's 1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
2012-09-30-74472012-09-30-7445
Hawk, Broad-winged 2 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
2012-09-30-74712012-09-30-74702012-09-30-74732012-09-30-74612012-09-30-74652012-09-30-74542012-09-30-74572012-09-30-74292012-09-30-74302012-09-30-7435
Some say there were three birds here. It was my first chance to observe them hunting and at close range. It struck me how, compared to most Buteo species, it was longer-tailed, smaller, and more inclined to fly in the woods like an Accipiter. The photos bring out more field marks: the pointed wingtips; the pale secondaries from below; and the banded tail with thicker dark subterminal band.
Hawk, Swainson's 
1 @US-60^w: Yeso to Guadalupe County
1 @US-60^w: Encino to Willard
Kestrel, American 1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Behavior: Made a pass at a perched Sharp-shin.
Sapsucker, Red-naped 1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
2012-09-30-7409
Flicker, Red-shafted 1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Phoebe, Eastern 1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
2012-09-30-74212012-09-30-74252012-09-30-7426
Scrub-Jay, Western 1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
raven sp. 1 @US-60^w: Fort Sumner to Yeso
Raven, Chihuahuan 
1 @US-60^w: Melrose Woods to De Baca County
1 @US-60^w: Vaughn to Torrance County
Raven, Common 1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Vocalizations: Deep croaks.
2012-09-30-74192012-09-30-7417
John Parmeter said they bred here.
Wren, Rock 1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
2012-09-30-74812012-09-30-7477
Thrush, Hermit # @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Thrasher, Brown 1 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Warbler, Wilson's # @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Sparrow, Vesper 1 @US-60^w: Fort Sumner to Yeso
Blackbird, Brewer's 3 @Roosevelt Co.: Melrose Woods
Grackle, Great-tailed # @US-60^w: Fort Sumner to Yeso
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Last updated: 2012-10-19 14:17 MDT