Southwest New Mexico

Gila National Forest (505) 536-2250

Best waterbird location in southwest NM. Bald Eagle, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Pinyon Jay (W). Common Black-Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Purple Martin and Hepatic Tanager (M/S). Montezuma Quail is regular here, and Spotted Owl is possible (R). Hummingbird migration from July — Sept. is superb at Spirit Canyon Lodge (505-536-9459) and Grey Feathers Lodge (505-536-3206) along NM 35.
Habitat: Open water; mixed coniferous-oak forest.
Location: From Silver City, take US 180 east to Santa Clara. Turn left on NM 152. After reaching the Mimbres Valley, turn left on NM 35. Follow for 32 miles to Lake Roberts. From Cherry Creek/McMillan Campgrounds, Signal Peak or Gila Cliff Dwellings, take NM 15 to its junction with NM 35, then take NM 35 the few miles to Lake Roberts.