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THE LOG AT CAPULIN SPRING-- A GREAT PLACE TO SIT AND WATCH MONTANE BIRDS
Topozone.com Map centered on Capulin Spring Picnic Area
As we drive to Sandia Crest from our home at 7000 ft. elevation in the Piñon-Oak-Juniper woodlands , we pass through
the Ponderosa belt (7500-8000 ft.) into the mixed conifer forest at about 8000-9500, then into the fir-spruce forest at
the top. This provides a great variety of habitats for wildlife.
One of our favorite stops on the way to Sandia Crest is the Capulin Spring Picnic Area in the Cibola National Forest in
eastern Bernalillo County, which is east of Albuquerque. A spring has been a constant supplier of fresh water to a
hollowed out log that serves as a watering trough and a bird bath. The best times of the year to visit the log are during
spring and fall migration, but it can be productive any summer day as well. We try to get there early in the morning,
but it is usually reliable any time of day. Since it is the only source of water in a wide area of a mixed conifer forest at
about 8900 ft. elevation, it can attract almost any creature that calls the forest its home.
A slight bluff overlooks the log, permitting great views of its long axis from about 20 - 30 feet away. We bring folding
chairs and sit very quietly. We have been rewarded with views not only of birds, but also deer, squirrels, chipmunks,
weasels, and even a bear. For those with limited mobility, there is a parking space level with the viewing area, only
about 20 steps away.
Our list of birds seen at the log is quite long. In addition to the permanent residents such as Steller's Jay, Red-
breasted Nuthatch, Pine Siskin, Dark-eyed (Gray-headed) Junco, Red-naped Sapsucker, Brown Creeper and Hermit
Thrush, highlights include wintering Cassin's Finch, often with Clark's Nutcracker, Townsend's Solitaire, Red Crossbill,
and Evening Grosbeak. Usual summer residents are Warbling Vireo, Western Tanager, Band-tailed Pigeon, Black-
throated Gray, MacGillivray's, Virginia's and Grace's Warbler, and Green-tailed Towhee. Some summers find the
Evening Grosbeak, Cassin's Finch and Red Crossbill staying on to breed. The Dusky Flycatcher arrives in early June
and most years may be found in the extensive groves of small New Mexico Locust at the far (north) end of the Snow
Play parking area just above the Spring (Enter the Snow Play Area by way of the gate which is closed to automobiles in
summer, and walk directly, all the way in). There is also a path that continues north, and the Duskies may be found
less than a hundred yards into that grove of New Mexico Locusts). Just after sunset in June and July, Northern Pygmy-
owl, Flammulated Owl, and sometimes Saw-whet Owl and Common Poor-will may be heard nearby.
Van Sutherland took some photos of a Dark-eyed Junco that visited "The Log" during late May and early June 2003, a
time when normally only the local resident Gray-headed race is present. This bird has plumage characteristics of both
Gray-headed race (strong rufous saddle on back, dark mask) and Pink-sided (brown on sides of breast), yet also has
strong brown coloration extending into the flight feathers. To see Van's two photos CLICK HERE and HERE
The Capulin Spring Picnic Area is on NM 536 (the road to Sandia Crest) about 8 miles west of its junction with NM 14;
the latter is about 6.5 miles north of I-40, exit 175, which is about 12 miles east of Albuquerque city limits.
DIRECTIONS FROM ALBUQUERQUE: Take I-40 East to Exit 175 (Cedar Crest/ NM 14). Exit 175 is about 20 miles
East of the I-25 / I-40 intersection. Exit right from I-40 but bear to the left and then pass under I-40 to the north,
following NM-14. Follow NM-14 signs North past Cedar Crest, total of about 6.5 miles, to NM 536 West, also known as
the Crest Road or the road to the Sandia Ski Area. There is a Shell station on the right side of the street just before
the Left turn. (I live off the 4.6 mile mark of NM-14). Take NM-536 about 8 miles up to the Capulin Spring Picnic area,
go in the narrow (one lane with two way traffic-- drive slowly) paved road about 1/2 mile to the loop at the end. Park
there, or better, at the pullout before the switchback , and walk to the little hill that overlooks the log and spring. There
is also room for several cars at the lower rest room area.
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CIENEGA CANYON PICNIC AREA
Topozone.com Map Centered on Cienega Canyon Picnic Area
After the snow has vanished, we hurry to visit Cienega Picnic area, located at about the 1.8 mile mark of the Crest
Road (NM-536). One of the marvels of living in a mountainous area is seeing how the flora and fauna can change with
altitude. While Sandia Crest still seems to be sleeping under a blanket of snow, early spring brings hordes of
wildflowers and butterflies to Cienega and the associated Doc Long Picnic area/Bill Spring Trail. A good spot for
summer resident Virginia's Warbler, Grace's Warbler, Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Tanager and Plumbeous
Vireo is the "trash trail," identified as #190, that is accessed by parking at the "T" where the south bound Cienega
Picnic Area entry road meets a paved road that is blocked to the left (east). Walk down the paved road past the
barriers to the end of the pavement, then bear right and eventually you will have turned 180 degrees and find yourself
in a small open valley that leads back up the main mountain into Armijo Canyon (Trail #222). We once found the nest
of a Plumbeous Vireo in a juniper just at the end of the paved road.
We usually drive all the way in to the western end of the Cienega road, to the parking lot at the Faulty Trailhead. In
most years, a spring feeds a small stream and dampens a meadow just to the east. This is one of the better places to
see Grace's Warbler. Although we have not been able to find their nests, we have seen them gathering nest material
under the Ponderosa Pines just south of the parking lot. Cordilleran Flycatcher, Warbling and Plumbeous Vireo are
also numerous in this area. West of the parking area there are aspens in which we often see Red-naped Sapsucker
and Ponderosas that may harbor Pygmy Nuthatch the year round. A short walk just east and north of the parking lot
brings you to a Group Picnic Area (open to vehicles only by reservation). A handicap accessible Nature Trail winds
from this picnic area and along the stream and meadow, to and from a public parking area further to the east. We
have seen Blue Grosbeak and Lesser Goldfinch during early summer in the deciduous trees and shrubs that line the
road along the open grassy area. Cienega and Doc Long Description and Map from Albuquerque Journal Outdoors
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DIRECTIONS TO SANDIA CREST; HANDICAP ACCESS
Do not confuse the base of the Sandia Peak Ski Area, at the 7 mile mark, with Sandia Crest, at 13.5 miles, the very
top. There are no Rosy-Finch feeders at the Ski Area! The Tram from Albuquerque goes to the Peak, which is a mile
south of the Crest. The 1.5 mile trail connecting the Peak and Crest should not be attempted by casual hikers,
especially in winter.
Either:
Take I-40 East out of Albuquerque to Exit 175 (Cedar Crest/ NM 14). Exit 175 is about 20 miles East of the I-25 / I-40
intersection. Exit right from I-40 but bear to the left and then (at the traffic light) pass under I-40 to the north, following
NM-14
Or:
Take I-40 West from the Texas Panhandle to Exit 175 (Cedar Crest/ NM 14). Exit right from I-40, and turn right on NM-
14 Northbound.
Then:
Follow NM-14 signs north past Cedar Crest, total of about 6.0 miles, to NM 536 westbound, also known as the Crest
Road or the road to the Sandia Ski Area. There is a Shell station on the right side of the street just before the left
turn.
Take NM-536 all the way to the top, about 13.5 miles (10,678 feet elevation). Look for Clark's Nutcrackers and
Northern Pygmy-owl at the ski lift area, and Cassin's Finches and Pine Grosbeaks all along the higher reaches of the
road.
The road to Sandia Crest, which is fully paved, is usually well maintained (plowed and heavily sanded). Because of
the ski area, it is essential for the Forest Service to keep it open to the ski lifts, which are about 2/3 of the way up the
13 miles to the top. Sometimes after a particularly big snowfall, or if there is a lot of blowing snow, there can be drifts
and early morning ice in the upper reaches. Be particularly careful at curves and at stretches of road that are in the
shade. We have never had trouble in our 4WD Nissan Pathfinder, and a front wheel drive sedan should be able to
make it even without chains if the road is sanded and there are no drifts. If you arrive after a snowfall, call the Sandia
Ranger District (281-3304) and ask about road conditions. The State Highway Department Web page provides
information about road conditions. Note the date and time of the advisory as it may be out of date, or call Road
Advisory Hotline at: 1-800-432-4269.
We like to first check for Rosy-Finches at the lower Crest parking lot, just before the the very top. They can be
observed if you use your car as a blind. The lower feeder is located just to the west of the south end of the lower lot,
and the upper feeder will also be visible from this point. Then, drive up to the the parking lot at the very top, and enter
the Crest House where you can view all three feeders through the windows or from the patio. You can also walk down
along the path on the east side of the building to view the two feeders. There is a $3.00 parking fee (fee is waived for
holders of Golden Eagle, Golden Age and Golden Access Passports) which is retained locally by the Forest Service to
maintain and improve the picnic areas and other facilities.
Notes about Handicapped Access; Health and Safety Considerations:
The Crest House has designated handicapped parking in the upper lot, but snow and gravel may obscure the stripes
and markings. The walk to the entrance is paved but at a moderate uphill grade. It can be slippery. If your mobility is
impaired, use the right (west, or restaurant) entrance, which has no steps. There is a powered wheelchair lift that
accommodates a wheelchair and an attendant, providing access to the main floor and Rosy-Finch viewing area below.
Because of the very high high altitude (each breath at 10,678 feet delivers one third less oxygen than at sea level), it
is safer to acclimatize by spending at least one night at 5000 to 7000 feet, and making several short trips rather than
venturing up for a long period of time. Even if you are in good health you should avoid over-exertion and drink plenty
of fluids, and retreat to a lower elevation if you suffer symptoms such as headache, weakness, nausea, or dizziness. If
you have heart or circulatory problems you should consult your physician. Click Here for Information about Altitude
Sickness.
At Cienega Canyon Picnic area there is designated parking at the Nature Trail head. The trail is paved and wheelchair
accessible for nearly 1/2 mile as it loops to the west into the Group Picnic Area, crossing the small stream and following
it through the riparian area. Braille signage and interpretive plaques have been vandalized.
All developed Picnic areas have handicapped spaces in the parking lots and usually have one or two tables that are
more accessible. Doc Long, Capulin Spring and Nine Mile Picnic areas have parking places amid the trees
(Ponderosas at Doc Long and mixed conifers at Nine Mile). The trail at Balsam Glade, while not paved, is quite clear
and level. It is possible to bird effectively from your vehicle in the parking lots and along the Crest Road, but do not
stop in the roadway and especially not on curves. Use pullouts or the shoulder where not prohibited.
Be patient. The Rosy-Finches seem to come and go about every 30-60 minutes, in compact flocks. Once the juncos
start feeding, it is a good omen (though the Rosies will not alight on the feeder if Steller's Jay is present). While there,
be sure to pick up some souvenirs and have a hot beverage-- and let the staff know that the Rosy-Finches brought
you there!
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A GUIDE TO THE CREST ROAD, MILE BY MILE
Notable Birding Stops Along the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway (NM 536)
Click here for map from America's Scenic Drives
Topozone.com Navigable Topographic Map of the Crest Road and Vicinity
National Geographic description and Map of Santa_Fe/Turquoise_Trail_and_Sandia_Crest Tour
Some may find this guide useful in reporting sightings along the Crest Road, more properly called the Sandia Crest
National Scenic Byway (NM 536). There are mileposts most of the way, starting at NM 14, where NM 536 originates, up
to Sandia Crest. Elevation gain is 3,828 feet, and you may experience a drop in temperature of as much as 20
degrees, depending upon cloud cover and climate conditions (average about 11 degrees). Be sure to bring an extra
layer of clothing at any time of year, a hat and sunscreen. Every 1000 feet is the equivalent of traveling 300 to 600
miles northward-- like driving to Hudson Bay, Canada in a half hour!
Start birding the first mile (6,850'), where Scrub Jay, Townsend’s Solitaire, Western Bluebird, Spotted and Canyon
Towhee, Bushtit, Mountain Chickadee and Juniper Titmouse may be found in roadside pastures, door yards, and in
the piñon-juniper woodland. In summer, look for Black-headed and Blue Grosbeak, and Ash-throated Flycatchers.
Curve-billed Thrasher and Cedar Waxwing have been seen in Pyracanthas at the edge of the Triangle Grocery Store
parking lot.
0.7 mile— The Sandia Park Pond appears on the left (south) side of the road. Drought reduced it to a puddle, and it
was deepened and provided with new rubber liner late in 2002. Unfortunately, the muddy shoreline that formerly
attracted sandpipers has been replaced by cobbles set all along the perimeter. It will probably be sterile for a few
years. It is still worth scanning any open water for resting puddle ducks (Mallard, Cinnamon Teal, Green-winged Teal
and Ring-necked Duck at times). Ladder-backed Woodpecker and Red-naped Sapsucker may be seen in the
Lombardy Poplar trees that border the pond. During breeding season, Black-headed and Blue Grosbeak, Western
Tanager and Lesser Goldfinch may be seen. In August, 2005 a Brown Pelican made its appearance here.
1.6 mile— Enter Cibola National Forest (7,130'), as Ponderosa Pines and Gambel Oaks predominate.
1.8 mile— On the left is the entrance to Cienega (CLICK for more detailed description) and Sulphur Canyon Picnic
Areas (7,240'). Interior roads are closed most of the winter, but the parking area here and at Doc Long Picnic Area
(2.0 miles) should be explored for Steller's Jay, Mountain Chickadee, Pygmy, Red-breasted and White-breasted
Nuthatch, Pine Siskin and Red Crossbill (most years), and Grace's Warbler in spring and summer. Sharp-shinned
Hawk and (rarely) Northern Goshawk have been seen in the woods adjacent to the parking areas and along the short
trail that connects the Doc Long with Sulphur Canyon Picnic Area. Red-naped Sapsucker nests here and may be
found any time of year. During Spring and Summer, Cienega Canyon Picnic Area is great for Western Tanager,
Plumbeous Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Virginia's and Grace's Warblers, Black-headed and Blue Grosbeak, and Cordilleran
Flycatcher. Sometimes Olive-sided Flycatcher is seen in the tall snags. Of geologic interest, just between Cienega
and Doc Long, is the "Great Unconformity," where limestone deposited at the bottom of an ocean 300 million years
ago lies directly on top of granite that is 1.3 billion years old-- a gap that represents over a billion years of missing
geologic history!
3.0 mile— Look for Northern Pygmy-owl along the road from here onward. To the left, on the drier slope beneath the
road, you may find Green-tailed Towhee during breeding season. They often sing in the shrubs along the side of the
road. There are several pull-outs on the outside edge of the road-- plan to stop there more safely on the way back
down and look/listen for the towhees. During winter, this is also a pretty reliable place for Townsend's Solitaire.
3.3 mile— Old hollow tree up on the right, with many south facing woodpecker holes. Check it out for owls. Do not
expect either the Northern Pygmy-owl or the Northern Saw-whet Owl to pose in their doorways, however. Western
Bluebird may also use these holes. Violet-green Swallow also utilizes the woodpecker holes any where from here to
the top of the drive.
4.1 mile— Tejano Canyon overlook (7,800-8,280') offers a sweeping view of the valley below. Resident Red-tailed
Hawk and other wandering raptors may be seen, especially as migration season begins. White-throated Swift become
more likely over open areas on the ascent.
5.0 mile— “The Hollow,” where Northern Saw-whet Owl sometimes appears at dusk and may call or respond to
imitations of its call after dark and well into the night. Check the woodpecker holes in trees to left side of road. They
do not normally sit at the entrance of a nest or roosting hole but may be seen nearby.
5.6 mile— Tree Spring Trailhead (8,480'). Clark’s Nutcracker has appeared here in winter when it was scarce at
higher elevations. Pygmy Nuthatch may be seen. During breeding season, Grace's Warbler sings from the tips of the
Ponderosas, which are gradually replaced by White Fir, Douglas-fir and Quaking Aspen over the next three miles.
Great Horned Owl is heard at night. Northern Saw-whet Owl may be called up after dark, any time of year. During
spring and summer, great for Flammulated Owl but don’t look for them in the winter!
6.0 mile— Dry Camp (8,640') has a few large Ponderosa snags that can attract woodpeckers: Northern (Red-shafted)
Flicker, Hairy and Red-naped Sapsucker drum there in the spring. Red Crossbill and Cassin’s Finch may be present
during invasion winters.
6.2 mile— Another old "woodpecker tree" that may harbor owls. Listen at and after dusk.
6.6 mile— The large turnout on the right has been good for Red Crossbill in past years.
7.0 mile— Sandia Ski Basin (8,609'). The Northern Pygmy-owl likes to sit on the wires next to the telephone pole at the
right side of the road, about 100 yards past the driveway that serves the Ski lift area. During winter, Clark's Nutcracker
may congregate along the ridge to the left to collect food scraps left by skiers. Red-naped Sapsucker may be seen at
roadside, nesting in the aspens and taking sap from the exotic Siberian Elm trees.
7.5 mile— Balsam Glade (8,651') has an overlook at the end of the short trail that may yield raptors. This is as high as
I have ever seen Pygmy Nuthatch along the Crest Road. It has been great for Red Crossbill and Red-breasted
Nuthatch in past winters. In early February, 2004, over a dozen Wild Turkeys were reintroduced here and are
reproducing and are being seen at all elevations. The species, once common in the Sandias, had been absent for
many years. Panoramic view from Balsam Glade Overlook
8.1 mile— Capulin Spring and the Capulin Spring Snow Play Area (8,840') is the site of the famous “Log at Capulin
Spring.” Crowded during snow season and hard to find free parking, but Northern Pygmy-owl and Northern Saw-whet
Owl may be found here during winter as it gets dark. Far more pleasant is owl watching after sunset during midday
into early July, when the pygmy-owl is calling actively, and often Northern Saw-whet and Flammulated Owl can be
heard. The road into the Snow Play area is one of the better places to find Dusky Flycatcher, near the southern extent
of its breeding range, in June and July.
9.0 mile— Nine Mile Picnic Area (9,200') is closed in winter, but Pine Grosbeak has been reported in this area, and
Cassin’s Finch and Red Crossbill may abound in good winters. Warbling Vireo are numerous during May and June,
and Gray-headed (Dark-eyed) Junco nests here. Williamson's Sapsucker may breed in this area and at higher
elevations. Mixed conifers have now replaced the pines, and wild raspberries grow in open areas. Both Ruby-crowned
and Golden-crowned Kinglet may nest high up in the conifers from here up. During winter and migration season, look
for Merlin that may perch in the high snags along the road as you progress upward. Clark's Nutcracker usually
becomes more common from here up.
9.5 to 11.0 mile— Here, a series of switchbacks offer good vantage points to search for winter finches and raptors.
Violet-green Swallow nests in the tall snags at the 10.5 mile switchback-- it arrives first week of April or even late
March.. Park above the curves, and only if the shoulder is clear. Never park on a curve. Obey parking restrictions.
11.4 mile— 10K Trailhead (10,000') marks the beginning of the spruce-fir belt (PANORAMIC PHOTO). It provides an
open area where flocks of Rosy-Finch may forage during the winter. Look for them along exposed rocky slopes.
Scope the vista for other winter finches and raptors. Dusky Flycatcher may be found from June through August in an
emerging aspen grove located near the south trailhead. Walk up the slope but instead of following the trail, bear right
(westward) and cross the old road cut uphill to the other side. Within 100 yards of the Crest Road you will see a
cleared area in which thousands of new aspens cover the ground. Listen for the distinctive voice of the Duskies
(pslick, BRREET, pseet) as they move between shrubs and set up on tops of taller trees. Recent clear-cutting has
changed the area to the north as well, and improved conditions for aspen propagation. Some of the large trees were
weakened and killed during the slash burning, raising hopes that American Three-toed Woodpecker may visit-- but be
sure to look for this species up higher, as they were sighted at Sandia Crest in 2005. This is an interesting area to
explore in any season. CLICK HERE FOR FOUR YEAR RESULTS OF 10-K TRAIL BREEDING BIRD SURVEY IN
WORD FORMAT (RTF FORMAT AVAILABLE HERE)
11.7 and 12.0— Two large switchbacks also offer good viewing. Pine Grosbeak has been seen at 12.0.
12.3 mile— Ellis Trailhead (10,260') also offers views to the right (north), where Rosy-finch may gather. During mid-
winter, Pine Grosbeak may be seen 100 yards or so upslope (to south) along the groomed alpine ski trail. Do not
disturb the ski tracks-- walk along the edges where the snow is undisturbed.
13.0 mile— Final big switchback (10,540'). Note the protective raptor perches on the power poles where the lines pass
over the highway. Not safe to park here, but look for Pine Grosbeak and Northern Goshawk, both reported here
during winter of 2001-2. Vegetation is now largely spruce and fir.
13.5 mile— Sandia Crest parking lot. (VIEW TO THE SOUTH FROM OBSERVATION AREA) During the winter, enter
the first lot and check out the feeders from below, before going up to the final level and viewing Rosy-finch from inside
the Crest House! In summer, scan for White-throated Swift. During the warmer months, a walk south along the Crest
Trail leads through a sub-Alpine forest with interpretive signs, to Kiwanis Meadow, where nesting Green-tailed
Towhees and (Audubon's) Yellow-rumped Warbler abound. Both Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglet nest
high in the spruce and fir trees here. The trail also leads north, just east of the electronic communication tower site.
House Wren is here in the summer, and Gray-headed (Dark-eyed) Junco may be found all year round. TWO
AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKERS were photographed on June 4, 2005 on Sandia Crest east of
Albuquerque on the trail that leads to the Kiwanis Meadows from the lower parking lot. They were 100 yards down
from the gate at the south end of the lot near several downed trees on the left hand side of the trail. There were signs
of trees with their bark stripped. There was still snow up there. A drumming male was then seen on June 5, 2005, and
several times through the next year. A male was again seen drumming on June 3, 2006, just east of Kiwanis Meadow.
These are the first confirmed sightings of this species in the Sandias after an absence of over 9 years.
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BIRDING NEAR SANDIA CREST
Be sure to check the latest New Mexico Ornithological Society's Statewide Rare Bird Hotline before starting out.
Sightings are arranged by County. CLICK HERE for a map NM Counties and County Seats.
Once we get some good snow the Capulin Picnic Area is closed because it shares an entrance with the crowded
Capulin Snow Play Area, and the access road is narrow and is not plowed. I have visited in winter and found Golden-
crowned Kinglets, Cassin's Finches, Clark's Nutcrackers, Evening Grosbeaks-- all fairly erratic visitors that can be
seen elsewhere anyway, when they honor us with a visit. The spring probably keeps flowing but we had to do concrete
work to get at and repair a leak (separated joint in the pipe) and I suspect it froze.
In winter, the sides of the road up to the Crest can be good, yielding (rare) Pine Grosbeak, Goshawk, Merlin, Red
Crossbill, Northern Pygmy-owl (look for them perched in oak trees along the road from about the 4 mile to the 8 mile
mark), Saw-whet Owl, Clark's Nutcracker (often seen at the base of the ski area, which is about at the 7 mile point--
they beg for food from the skiers). Red-naped Sapsucker is possible even in winter.
At the Crest, the winter feeder species list is still rather limited. Dark-eyed Junco, White-crowned Sparrow, Mountain
Chickadee, White-breasted and Red-breasted Nuthatch, Steller's Jay, Common Raven, Clark's Nutcracker, Cassin's
Finch, Red Crossbill, Pine Siskin and (once, in January, 2001) Pine Grosbeak have shared with the Rosy-finches.
Nearby, Frost Road (which is the eastward extension of NM-536, the Crest Road) is like a little "Hawk Alley." It
becomes NM-472 and runs through a flat high valley for maybe 25 miles to the east towards Stanley-- grazing and farm
land. In addition to Redtail, some Kestrel, N. Harrier, Prairie Falcon and Merlin, it has been fairly reliable for
Ferruginous Hawk and Loggerhead Shrike (I still have not found the rare Northern Shrike). Sometimes there are
Eastern Bluebirds in winter, according to other observers. There may be large flocks of Mountain Bluebirds there in
winter. Western Bluebirds and Western Meadowlarks also persist there in winter. When Frost Road ends at NM-41,
go south a few miles towards Moriarty for more great raptor habitat, and possibility of Horned Larks, American Pipits
and Longspurs on the plowed fields if not snowbound. The sod farm in Moriarty is about 4 miles east from NM-41 on
the service road that runs along the north side of I-40. Birders are no longer welcome to enter, but the roadside may
provide glimpses of longspurs (and Mountain Plovers during migration).
See Our Back Yard Bird List . We had Canyon and Spotted Towhee, Juniper Titmouse, Bushtit, Pine Siskin and
Mountain Chickadee as well as Scrub and Steller's Jay at our yard feeders during winter. Pinyon Jays are irregular,
but have had over 200 in the yard at once, turning the snow scene blue (I have a snapshot to prove it). Cassin's
Finches visit almost every winter, with over a hundred at a time during two good invasions. Evening Grosbeaks are
hard to figure out-- sometimes they visit in mid to late summer, other times in the dead of winter. When they do come,
they usually stay for several weeks at least, but we have had spells of over a year without seeing one! Red Crossbills
are only slightly more reliable, with invasion years and even summer visits some years. No crossbills visited our
feeders from June, 2002, when an adult took two newly fledged birds to our sunflower seeds, until July 1, 2003, when
flocks returned to breed in the Sandias. We usually have a pair of Ladder-backed Woodpeckers at the suet, and
Townsend's Solitaire hang around most winters. In the Ponderosas look for flocks of Pygmy Nuthatch-- I saw 35 on the
2000 Christmas Count.