Birdwatching on the Cibola National Forest

With one of every five Americans a birdwatcher, it is hardly surprising that many people visiting the Cibola are curious about the birds they encounter there. In order to accommodate this rapidly growing interest, this website will feature information about birds throughout the five Ranger Districts of the Cibola, from the San Mateo Mountains in southwestern NM to the Kiowa National Grasslands in the northeast. The many habitat types encompassed by the Cibola, make this forest one of the most diverse in the state—perhaps in the Nation. The Sandia Mountains alone are home to at least 261 species as of the latest checklist revision.

Also look to this web site for announcements relating to bird-centered events, such as bird hikes and International Migratory Bird Day. Good birding Everybody!

International Migratory Bird Day

International Migratory Bird Day celebrates the incredible journeys of migratory birds between their breeding grounds in North America and their wintering grounds in Mexico, Central, and South America. The event, which takes place on the second Saturday in May each year, encourages bird conservation and increases awareness of birds through hikes, bird watching, information about birds and migration, public events, and a variety of other education programs.

BIRDS OF THE SANDIA AND MANZANO MOUNTAINS
This revision (2001 and 2006) of the Sandia Ranger District bird checklist now includes the Manzano Mountains as well as the Gallinas Mountains west of Corona, NM.