K Taos Canyon 
Taos Canyon has good birding in spring, summer, and fall. During winter, the birding is limited. The canyon contains a riparian area along the Rio Fernando de Taos (a mountain stream) together with wooded canyon sides that go from Piñon-juniper, through Ponderosa Pine, to mixed pine/fir and finally fir/spruce forest. The habitats spanned in this 11 mile stretch goes from semiarid (7000 feet) through subalpine (8400 feet) and the bird life reflects these changes.

Taos Canyon begins at the intersection of US64 and NM585 east of Taos on the road to Eagle Nest. All distances are from this point. The road follows the Rio Fernando de Taos. Some of this area is part of the Carson National Forest while the remainder is private. There are many areas along the highway where you can pull off and walk the Rio. There are also four primitive campgrounds with parking and picnic facilities that have user fees. There are pedestrian bridges over the Rio at the campgrounds. A fifth area (La Veniteria) was previously a campground and the parking and bridges remain.

There are three campground within the first two miles of the canyon. At 0.2 miles is El Nogal. A trail going west from this campground leads up the canyon side and into the Piñon-juniper habitat. A trail going east connects with the other two campgrounds. At 0.7 miles is the former La Veniteria campground that still contains the parking and bridge across the Rio. At 1.8 miles is Las Petacas where the canyon opens up somewhat. Some Ponderosa Pine appears at this point. Walking the stream in the morning should produce a good variety of chickadees, nuthatches, warblers, vireos, jays, and sparrows. Surprises could include a Goshawk.

At 2.1 miles you are in private land, but the open field and marsh are worth a stop. Pull well off the road as traffic can be heavy. To the west of the side road are willows and a marsh and the the east is an open field bordered by the Rio and trees. The private land extends for the next 2.7 miles.

At mile 4.5 is Capulin campground in the Carson National Forest. The trees have changed to mixed conifer, mainly pine and fir. You have moved into a more montane area with the bird life now containing Red-breasted Nuthatch, Clark's Nutcracker, Red Crossbill, and Pygmy Nuthatch. At mile 5.0 is La Sombra campground which is similar to Capulin and the two are connected by a path.

Land from here on is private, so all birding must be done from the road or from your car. The road follows a marsh from mile 9.2 to mile 10.6 and has pullouts where you can stop and look for birds.

At mile 10.6 turn south to Valle Escondido, a small resort community and golf course. You are now in fir/spruce country well above 8000 feet. The golf course provides open areas for different bird species as well as lakes for limited water fowl.

At this point you can continue over the Palo Flechado Pass (9100 feet) into the Moreno Valley and Eagle Nest or return the way you came. At 4.5 miles from the Valle Escondido turnoff, Forest Road 5 goes north and can be driven or walked. An additional 2.7 miles gets you to the Elliot Barker walking trail.