6/3/2023
- 6/4/2023 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Leader:
Diane Roberts Samatha576@aol.com or 720-278-9025
Trip Difficulty: Strenuous
Directions
See trip description for meeting instructions
This trip is limited to the first 8 registrations.
I led this trip last May with 113 species in 2 days in 2 states. The adventure begins at areas in Huerfano County where we can encounter Lewis's Woodpecker, Junipter Titmouse, Canyon Towhee, Hepatic Tanager, Western Tanager, Grosbeaks and other species. It will be nesting time so we will watch for nesting activity. We will then go to overnight in Raton, NM, stopping at a mutually agreed upon restaurant and then to a motel/hotel. Participants are responsible for their own lodging. Multiple stops with estimated no more than 1 mile walk on uneven ground at each stop.
An early start the next day to go to Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge. Located in northeastern New Mexico at an elevation of 6,050', Maxwell encompasses 3,700 acres of shortgrass prairie, lakes, woodlots and agricultural lands. It is surrounded by high mesas and extinct volcanos to the east and to the west by Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The refuge is located along the Central Flyway providing feeding and rest as well as shortgrass prairie habitats. We will also visit Springer Reservoir and Sugarite Canyon State Park in New Mexico. On our way home, we will visit some hotspots, if time permits.
Plan on coordinating with a driver for a carpool. We have the option to meet ready in the carpools at Lowes in Castle Rock to caravan down to Love's (changing the start time 5:30) or meet at Love's Travel Stop, 6470 N. Elizabeth, Pueblo, CO, which is Exit 104 on I-25 just north of Pueblo
It is always fun to bring something to share with the group, if you so desire. Please bring plenty of water or other drinks. Staying hydrated is very important to the experience. There will be a couple gas stations to supplement food and/or drink and restrooms, otherwise, it will be park restrooms. The weather can be cooler in the morning and warm to hot in the afternoon so dressing in layers is always a good plan.Please plan on bringing a breakfast and 2 lunches along with anything else.
DFO policy has a driver reimbursement policy of .50 divided by the number of participants in a car. It is about 450 miles round trip. It should be about $60 in gas, driver discretion, for a car of 4. It is marked strenuous due to the time in the car, but we will be making stops so that helps break up the drive time.
As always, if a conflict arises, please cancel as soon as possible as a courtesy to the other participants and the leader by removing your name on the DFO website. Additionally, if you do not feel well, please be considerate to fellow birders and stay home to rest.