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.