Winter Birds in Eldorado

Eldorado encompasses a little over 20 square miles composed mainly of Juniper Savanna. In addition to widely spaced One-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma), there are of course, encroaching, scattered Piñon pines (Pinus edulis). Predominate grasses are Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) and Buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyliotes). Among the shrubs present are Chamisa (Ericameria nauseosa), Four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Winterfat (Krascheninnikova lanata) and Snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae). Having large areas of open space, the number of bird species observed as the seasons change is quite extensive. Winter brings concentrations of birds from northern latitudes and nearby higher elevations. During spring and fall migrations one sees many species stopping briefly to refresh.

Our frame of reference is our property near Eldorado's western fence line, adjacent to the State Land. During the past ten years we have observed 106 species on or above our property. Nineteen of these species were one-time sightings during migrations or very cold winters. The winter of 2009-10 appears to be quite typical in variety and concentration of birds in our area.

Most numerous of the year-around resident birds, is the House Finch. Other frequently observed permanent residents are Cooper's Hawk (mostly juvenile), Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Harrier, Scaled Quail, Mourning Dove, Great Horned Owl, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Piñon Jay, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Western Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Bewick's Wren, Bushtit, Juniper Titmouse and Canyon Towhee.

Unfortunately, the non-native House Sparrow arrived in our neighborhood several years ago. House Sparrows are in direct competition with Western and Mountain Bluebirds for nesting boxes. The House Sparrow is extremely aggressive and will kill nesting Bluebirds and take over the box. Monitoring nest boxes, removing House Sparrow nests and not including millet in your bird seed mixtures will discourage House Sparrows from remaining in your area.

Cooper's Hawk	Red-tailed Hawk	Northern Harrier
Scaled Quail	Great Horned Owl	Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Northern Flicker	Curve-billed Thrasher	Canyon Towhee

Predominant winter birds are the various races of the Dark-eyed Juncos and the obvious cold weather large influx of American Robins. Robins have also become a breeding resident within the past few years near our home. In addition to Juncos and Robins, winter visitors include Horned Lark, Steller's Jay, Townsend's Solitaire, Mountain Chickadee, Pine Siskin, Cassin's Finch, Evening Grosbeak, White-crowned Sparrow, Spotted Towhee and American Goldfinch.

American Robin	Townsend's Solitaire	Pine Siskin
Cassin's Finch	Evening Grosbeak	White-crowned Sparrow
	American Goldfinch (Mar-Oct plumage)

During the past years we have planted native shrubs, flowers and grasses to provide fruit and seeds for additional late fall and winter food supplement for the birds. We gathered and cast native grass seeds over the years. There are now more than 25 native grasses enjoyed by ground feeders. New Mexico privet (Forestiera neomexicana) and Pale wolfberry (Lycium pallidum) fruit is very popular with late migrants, Finches, Towhees and American Robins. Annual sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds are consistently a favorite with Pine Siskins and American Goldfinches. Yellow salsify (Tragopogon pratensis) seeds are enjoyed by Siskins and Finches.

Other favorite naturally occurring foods around our home: Western and Mountain Bluebirds feed primarily on Juniper berries during the winter. Piñon Jays primarily gather and store Piñon nuts for the winter. Scaled Quail continue to feed on the seeds of grasses, Snakeweed and Four-wing saltbush. Cooper's Hawks have it quite easy with all the small birds at the feeders. Great Horned Owls, breeding during January-February, will soon have to catch more rabbits and birds for their young.

We supplement naturally occurring food with sunflower seed in a feeder, niger seed in "sock" feeders and a small ceramic feeder, and five suet feeders. The greatest variety of birds make daily use of the suet. Additionally, we do not cut back any plants within our courtyard prior to spring. The birds enjoy foraging on seed heads and fallen seeds of non-native plants as well. We also have a small pond with a pump that maintains open water. If iced over, the ice can be easily broken. Most of the species make use of this water supply. Additionally, many passing migratory birds are attracted by the sound of water.

For those not necessarily familiar with the different Bluebirds and "blue-colored" Jays in the area, photos are set forth below with accompanying field marks. Field marks describe the distinguishing physical characteristics of each species and are used by birders when trying to correctly identify birds.

Western Bluebird

Male's upper parts & throat are deep purple-blue; breast, sides & flanks chestnut belly & undertail coverts grayish. Most birds show some chestnut on shoulders & upper back.

Mountain Bluebird

Male is sky blue above, paler below, with whitish belly and undertail coverts. Seen in large flocks in winter here.

Eastern Bluebird

Chestnut throat, sides of neck, breast, sides & flanks; contrasting white belly, white undertail coverts. Male is uniformly deep blue above; female grayer. Occasional visitor here in winter, more prevalent in Eastern New Mexico.

Western Scrub-Jay

Blue head without crest; blue wings; long blue tail; whitish throat bordered by streaked blue-gray breast band. Back is bluish-gray, with a large grey-brown patch in the center.

Piñon Jay

Blue overall; blue throat streaked with white; lacks crest; bill long, spikey; short tail. Seen in large flocks in winter.

Steller's Jay

Blue overall, with black crest, throat, and upper breast.

An excellent website for comprehensive information on birds is Cornell University’s The Cornell Lab of Ornithology