Birding Belen Marsh and Whitfield Wildlife Conservation Area

The first thing we noticed were the three Long-billed Dowitchers feeding in the small pond nearest to the I-25 Bypass Road. They were probing the edge of the pond with their characteristic ‘sewing machine’ motion. Their back feathers showed the chestnut patterning and scallops of their emerging breeding plumage. Even though they [...]

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Early Spring Birds at Bernardo and the Belen Marsh

As we got out of our cars at the Bernardo Wildlife Area, we heard and saw White-crowned Sparrows in the bushes next to the viewing platform. A Spotted Towhee was calling. While the morning started out cold, it was clear and only an occasional breeze. The sun was starting to warm [...]

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Top 10 Wildlife Highlights of 2008

One of my favorite birding blogs, A DC Birding Blog, which links to mine, listed his top 8 nature moments of 2008. It was a great idea, so I am going to borrow it. There were so many wonderful moments that it was hard to choose my favorites. The following is my [...]

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Late Summer Shorebirds at Belen Marsh

The morning was cool and overcast as the 18 Thursday Birders headed towards Belen. It started to sprinkle as we passed Los Lunas and we were afraid our morning might be ruined. Miraculously, as we glided onto Don Felipe Rd., the drops began to dissipate. Since we wouldn’t be looking into the [...]

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Collaboration to Save the Belen Marsh

Eight members of our “Belen Marsh Task Force” gathered at the wetlands this past weekend, with Julia Dendinger, a reporter with the Valencia County News-Bulletin.
As we headed down the road towards the marsh, four Cattle Egrets rose up and flew away. At the edge of the first pond, we immediately spotted Kildeer [...]

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New Mexico’s Belen Marsh in Jeopardy

As I turn onto Don Felipe Road next to the Taco Bell in Belen, the first thing that catches my eye is the mound of dirt that had been pushed right up to the edge of the first pond. Then my eye drops and I see a Black-necked Stilt and an American Avocet [...]

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Sharing our Passion for Birds at New Mexico’s Belen Marsh

“I’m going to pull off on this dirt road,” Rebecca said as she eased off of highway 25 in Belen. “Check the prairie dog burrows to see if there are any Burrowing Owls.” Rebecca and I were taking Albuquerque Journal writer Toby Smith to see the birds at the Belen Marsh behind the [...]

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Migrating Shorebirds at Belen Marsh

The rain came down steadily as we cruised down Interstate 25 towards Belen. However, it was only misting when the Thursday Birders assembled in the parking lot behind Taco Bell, and by time we had gathered at the side of the marsh, it had almost stopped. The good news was that we would not [...]

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Marshes of Valencia County

Binoculars are probably the most essential piece of gear for a birding trip leader. On Wednesday nights, I always put mine on the kitchen table so they will be ready when I roll out of the house early in the morning. As I was this week’s trip leader to the marshes and flooded [...]

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