View from the Crest, early February 2010. While worth a trip just for the view, the Crest offers superb bird-watching opportunities, especially this time of year.
Sandia Crest lies within our extended backyard, and is not only a beautiful place to visit with outstanding views, but also host to some very special bird species this time of year. Because of high altitude (10,678 ft) it is the winter home of the Rosy Finches, beautiful birds not easily seen elsewhere. These finches typically arrive in November and depart by mid March to return to their breeding grounds up North.
Having been up at the Crest when it was well below zero with 30 – 40 mph winds, it is hard to imagine this beautiful area as a winter home. With breeding grounds, however, in the high Rockies, and as far north as Alaska and inside the Arctic Circle, it is easy to see that these small birds are both hardy and resourceful.
View from the Crest, early February 2010. While worth a trip just for the view, the Crest offers superb bird-watching opportunities, especially this time of year.
There are 3 species of Rosy Finches, the Black, the Brown-capped, and the Gray-crowned; as well as a sub-species or race of the Gray-crowned, the Hepburn. Each species has unique and distinct coloring; there are also many birds that are indeterminate and a bit difficult to identify precisely which species they belong to, especially if they are females, or juveniles.
 Male Black Rosy Finch: Although the rosy belly is striking against the black plumage, typically their bellies are less rosy than the other species. |
 Brown-capped Rosy Finch: Unlike the other 2 species, the male Brown-capped (above) lacks the gray on the back of his head while the female is much paler overall. |
 Gray-crowned Rosy Finch: Males in general outnumber the females by about 6 to 1 in all three species. The bills in all 3 species also get bright yellow in winter, and turn more blackish as the season progresses into spring. |
 Gray-crowned Rosy Finch: Coastal or Hepburn's race (sub-species): Note the gray cheeks, which the Gray-crowned lacks. |
This bird is indeterminate, but most likely a female or juvenile Black Rosy Finch; some immature and female Gray-crowned Rosy Finches can also be quite dark, making identification tricky. The females of all three species are in general paler in plumage than their male counterparts. Females and first year birds are much more difficult to separate out in the field than the males, and can be easily confused with members of other Rosy Finch species. Many of these indeterminate birds can be seen up at the Crest House.
The birds hang out in large flocks, with a few stragglers here and there. For the most part all 3 species travel together from feeding area to feeding area. They are strong flyers, and I have seen them buck 30+ mph winds, seemingly hovering in mid-air as they attempt to land to feed.
The Rosies will fly in at about 20 minute intervals, staging first on a nearby tree before coming in to feed. There is a hanging feeder on the deck at the Crest House, and often seed spread on the deck floor as well.
 All 3 species of Rosy Finch take a break on a nearby tree before they come in to feed |
 The feeder hangs at the corner of the deck, and is often filled with hungry birds; these are predominantly Gray-crowned. |
Descending onto the deck in a hungry horde the Rosies blanket the feeder, deck floor, or table-top – wherever there is seed. The Rio Grande Bird Research Group bands these birds every Sunday as part of a study they are conducting. They fill the feeders regularly throughout the winter, as do other volunteers.
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Feeding on the snow-covered deck at the Crest House: If you look closely you will see all three species. |
The Rosy Finches are quite skittish, and fly off at the slightest movement. They never go far, however, and return within moments to continue to eat. They usually stay in the deck area for about 15 – 20 minutes before leaving, returning again in full force within another 20 minutes or so. Mornings are often the best times to view these birds, as there are many more tourists out in the afternoon.
The Crest House opens at 9:30 AM and affords a wonderful viewing opportunity for these birds. You can brave the elements and walk out onto the deck when it is accessible (access to the deck has been blocked by snow for a good part of February), or view the birds through large windows from the warm comfort of the snack bar, cup of hot coffee in-hand. Although the road up to the Crest is usually well plowed, it is always advisable to call (505-243-0605) before coming up to check on road conditions if there have been recent snows.
Located south of Santa Fe off of highway 14, the road to Sandia Crest (hwy 536) climbs over 10,00 feet up the mountain. The Crest House, a combined gift and snack shop lies at the very top.
I certainly hope that some of you have heeded last month’s Extended Backyard Birding Alert and made your way up to the Crest to see these beauties. If not, don’t despair – some of the Rosy Finches hang around through mid-March or a bit later. Only the Gray-crowned tend to leave by the end of February as they breed the furthest North.
It is always worth the drive to see, as well, the beautiful Stellar Jays, White and Red-breasted Nuthatches, Gray-headed Juncos, and Mountain Chickadees who frequent the feeders on the deck. Other birds, such as Pine Siskins and Cassin’s Finch are also occasional visitors.
 Stellar’s Jay, our biggest Jay, often makes an appearance. The Rosy Finches tend to stay away from the feeder when the Stellar’s Jay is near. |
 White-breasted Nuthatch, frequently seen both right off the deck and at the feeder. |
 Red-breasted Nuthatch, is a small bird, about 4 ½ inches. Like its larger white-breasted cousin, it creeps headfirst down tree trunks looking for insects, and will also check out the seeds on deck. |
 Mountain Chickadee is a frequent visitor to the deck and nearby trees |
While hanging out at the deck, you might even get a chance to see the comical Abert’s Squirrel with its uniquely tasseled ears searching for a free snack. It also pays to keep your eyes open as you travel the Crest highway for a glimpse of some of the other abundant but not always visible wildlife who make the Sandias their home. A Northern Pygmy Owl often hangs out close to the ski area, and some have reported seeing American Three-toed Woodpeckers in the area. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a bobcat prowling for a snack.
Spotted early February 2010; the snows were above my knees, but didn't seem to bother this bobcat.
Happy Birding!
Beverly Kune is an avid nature photographer and also a docent at Santa Fe Botanical Garden's Leonora Curtin Wetland Preserve. You can contact Beverly at cre8valt@aol.com.
Find out more about how Santa Fe Botanical Garden celebrates, cultivates and conserves the rich botanical heritage and biodiversity of the region. Visit www.santafebotanicalgarden.org