Monday, June 18, 2012

Birding at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico.

 
I grew up in Roswell, New Mexico. One of the places where we often went for family activities and school functions was Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, located along the Pecos River just outside of Roswell. Although I had not had not visited the refuge since the 1970's, I have had occasion to visit Roswell twice this year, which means that I had two chances to visit Bitter Lake and take some photos there.

Bitter Lake is not a well-known refuge as it is a fairly remote part of New Mexico. It is, however, a very important and biologically significant wetland area of the Pecos River watershed system. Established in 1937 to provide wintering habitat for migratory birds, the Refuge plays a crucial role in the conservation of wetlands in the desert Southwest.

On my first trip in February I arrived at the refuge on Friday afternoon, in time to take advantageof the beautiful late afternoon light. The first thing that I noticed was the new (to me) Joseph R. Skeen Visitor’s Center, which was completed in August 2006. The visitor’s center is located on a bluff that overlooks the refuge, and it has large windows and a deck that are designed to take advantage of the views.
Joseph R. Skeen Visitor's Center.
From the deck, there is a lovely view across the refuge and the Pecos River to the red bluffs beyond the river.
View from the Visitor's Center.
There were hundred of Red-winged Blackbirds singing in the reeds and cattails at the edge of the lake.
Red-winged Blackbirds


Here is a video of Red-winged Blackbirds singing in the reeds:
As I listened to the Red-winged Blackbirds, I watched the sun set over the lake.
Sunset over Bitter Lake
The next morning I arrived at the refuge before sunrise to watch the fly-out. When I arrived, Snow Geese were flying over the Visitor's Center.
Snow Geese Fly over the Visitor's Center at Sunrise.
I watched as waves of Snow Geese flew out to graze in the surrounding fields.
Snow Geese Fly-out in the Early Morning Light.
A short time later, the Sandhill Cranes began their fly-out.
Sandhill Crane Fly-out.
Sandhill Crane Fly-out, a Closer View.
Looking across the lake toward the Visitor’s Center, you can really appreciate the lovely view from the large windows out over the lake.
Looking across Bitter Lake to the Visitor's Center
I was entertained by watching the Buffleheads on the lake. It is such fun to watch them "run" across the water as they take off.
Bufflehead Takeoff
That evening I returned to watch the fly-in. I was too early for the Sandhill Cranes, but large numbers of Snow Geese began to fly in.
Snow Geese Fly-in.
Here is a short video of the fly-in.

As it grew darker, White-faced Ibis flew in as well.
White-faced Ibis
As I left that evening, I stopped to watch a spectacular sunset.
Sunset, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
I was already looking forward to my next trip, which would be over Memorial Day weekend. I will post photos from that trip in next month's Birding Is Fun guest blog post.

All photos © Linda Rockwell. Contact corralena@gmail.com for permission.

23 comments:

  1. Some beautiful birding scenes there Linda!

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    2. Thank you Robert. Bitter Lake is a very special place to me. I'm happy that you like my post!

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  2. Great post with some wonderful photos! Nice work, Linda!

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    1. Thank you Michelle. I love Bitter Lake. There's good birding there most times of the year. Thank you for your very kind comments. :-)

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  3. Beautiful pictures and a great video. Makes me want to go visit Bitter Lake myself

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    1. Thank you so much for your comments. I do enjoy adding videos to my blog posts as it gives more of a sense of the place. You really should visit!

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  4. Marvelous scenery...so serene.

    Walking those grounds in the early light while hundreds and thousands of birds take off must really be an experience!

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    1. It is really serene there as it's located in a fairly unpopulated area. It is possible to go for quite awhile without seeing other people. It is a wonderful place to see birds and wildlife!

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  5. Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge looks like a wonderful and beautiful place to observe birds. I just love the Sandhill Crane images. Beautiful in-flight captures and stunning sunrise and sunset shots. Your captures bring about a sense of great tranquility.

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    1. Thank you Julie. It really is a lovely place to go birding as it is quite uncrowded. I suppose that the fact that there were only a couple of other people in the entire refuge lends the feeling of tranquility.

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  6. I'd love to visit there too Linda, it looks awesome!

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    1. I think you'd love it Mia. You're just going to have to take that trip to New Mexico!

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  7. Wonderful post and photos Linda, looks like a gorgeous spot. I love the fly in video, amazing to see all those birds together.

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    1. Thank you Dan. I'm happy that you enjoyed the post. Yes, seeing the large numbers of Snow Geese and the Sandhill Cranes in the morning and evening in winter is an amazing sight!

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  8. Awesome pics of birds and great video.Thanks for sharing this rare moment pics.

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    1. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I'm very happy that you enjoyed the post!

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  9. Oh my, beautiful scenery and images Linda!

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    1. Thank you Cynthia. Bitter Lake is a really lovely NWR. It's also a very peaceful place because it's in such a remote are of NM. It's a super place to go birding! :-)

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  10. Wow, the early morning fly out is incredible there! Incredible to experience I am sure! Beautiful views. Really like the Redwing/sunset view :)

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    1. Thank you very much Debbie. Bitter Lake is a very lovely place. Generally good for birding most times of the year. I'm thinking about going for the dragonfly festival in September.

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  11. Ohhhh...So beautiful there! Love the chatty blackbird video and the snow geese fly in. Super photos!

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  12. Thank you Lovely Dawn. Bitter Lake is a very special place to me. I've been going there for my whole life. :-)

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