Backyard Bird feeding in Albuquerque (Kirtland, Placitas: home, living, woodpecker)

[moxiesmom]

Is backyard bird feeding popular in Albuquerque? I am considering moving to Albuquerque from Maine so that I can be closer to my daughter who lives there. I really enjoy backyard bird feeding and wondered if this is something that I would be able to continue to enjoy in Albuquerque. In Maine we have a good variety of birds visiting our bird feeders including a pair of pileated woodpeckers. Back yard bird feeding is very popular here. My daughter isn't into bird feeding but has seen some hummingbirds, doves and some finches in her yard in the Far NE section of Albuquerque. I'm ready to move after the snowstorm that we had this weekend. It's gonna be a long winter.

[Poncho_NM]

Yes it is popular. I am not a bird watcher, but it's difficult to ignore wildlife:










I took these pictures in my yard, we don't have any bird feeders out...

[aries63]

Definitely, you will enjoy it here as well. Have a look around this website from a local birding enthusiast:

Bosque Bill--New Mexico Wild Birds

[carrob]

Nice pictures, Rich...the only bird I do not recognize is the first one. Is it some type of woodpecker?

[Poncho_NM]

Thanks Carrob. Someone told me it was a woodpecker. Well, It was pecking at the tree...


Then we have what I was told was "This is a male (Red-shafted) Northern Flicker". Not a
good shot, but it did not hand around very long:





And my wife took this: "Owl with Chicks at NTC, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico":




Rich

[NMHacker]

I have a tall vase (about 4' tall) that is a water fountain and also have 3 bird feeders hanging from trees around the yard. I have no clue what kind of birds visit my yard but I would guess there is about 15-20 different species. We sit at our outdoor living area in front of the outdoor fireplace and watch them get their drinks of water.

Also, this time of year lots of different types of birds migrate south to take up residence in NM. You'll see lots of ducks, geese and cranes all over the river valley. There is a very popular birding destination about an hour and a half south of Albuquerque with a lot of beautiful animals to watch.

NPWRC :: Bird Checklists of the United States

[moxiesmom]

Thanks everyone. I'm encouraged that I would see some interesting birds in NM. The pictures are all awesome. That first one looks like a downy woodpecker. I don't know what kind of bird is in the third picture. Love the little tuft on it's head. I've never seen baby owls. They're adorable. Great picture of all the robins on the birdbath. They look somewhat different than the robins that I see in Maine.
If I move to Albuquerque I would want to look at a home with a small yard that has some trees which would provide shelter for birds. My daughter lives in the 87111 area and loves it there. It's not far from the Sandia Mtns and nice trails to hike. Keep the pictures coming.

[NMHacker]

Originally Posted by moxiesmom

I don't know what kind of bird is in the third picture. Love the little tuft on it's head.

Gambel's Quail

[Poncho_NM]

Originally Posted by moxiesmom

I don't know what kind of bird is in the third picture.

I am told they are "Gambel's Quail", and looking them up, that appears to be correct.

[ABQSunseeker]

Yes, I lived once in Mass. and now here and have always been feeding the birds. I live in Placitas and have seen between 20 and 30 kinds of birds at the feeders and bird bath. I don't get a lot of melodious singers though---few warblers, orioles, mockingbirds, etc.