A census of avian species for the Sandia-Manzano Mountain region records 253 kinds, with about 117 being breeders. The numbers were compiled by Hart Schwarz a local ornithologist and consultant to the U.S. Forest Service, Cibola Nation al Forest. Because N14 goes north and not toward the Manzanos, our Turquoise Trail (TT) survey does not include the rich birding area to the south, therefore, the census totals for our area specifically are probably lower than those just cited.

The following short (incomplete) lists are meant only to give the visitor a flavor of New Mexico bird life along the Trail: they’ll be of more interest to newcomers rather than longer term residents. 
 

Serious birders will want to stop at the Ranger District Headquarters (mentioned above) and also pick up Schwarz’s excellent little bird guide (free). More comprehensive and just as authoritative, running to 351 pages, is New Mexico Bird Finding Guide, 3rd Edition (2002) put out by the NM Ornithological Society, John Parmeter lead author. This publication may be available only in Albuquerque bookstores.

Jeffrey Davis ~ 2010, all rights reserved.

See the other sections of the "Wildlife along the Turquoise Trail" for more information.
  Overview
  Mammals
  Birds
  Reptiles & Great Spiders
  Wildlife Survey Tips