Bird Watching at White Sands National Park

The White Sands National Park happens to be in New Mexico. As the name suggests, the 145,762 acres cover Tularosa Basin and have white sand fields in the south. The park is surrounded by the White Sands Missile Range, a military testing ground. To give you a better idea, it is in Otero County and Doña Ana County.

Major Attractions at White Sands National Park

As it is located between San Andres Mountain ranges and Sacramento, right in the Tularosa Basin, the outdoor experience here is different from other parks. Hiking and photographing birds is a given. In addition, there is the option of backcountry camping, right among the shining dunes. To get a permit for camping among the ten sites, you
have to arrive first as it’s a first-come basis service.

One can not forget the eight-mile Dunes drive, a scenic drive, or the opportunity to bicycle through the park for more athletic visitors. Depending on the season, there are different programs led by park rangers one can partake in. The most shocking thing might be sledding, though. The sand not only looks like snow but also has the same texture.

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Bird Watching at White Sands National Park

A total of 558 species of birds have been sighted in New Mexico. Out of this, 220 bird species were seen in White Sands National Park, accounting for almost half the bird species found in the state.

It is almost impossible to see many bird species in the dune field during summertime, especially during the day. However, you have a good chance of spotting the species near the visiting center and entrance, along with the desert scrub.

The visitor center of White Sands National Park expects Barn Swallows every spring. The recently molted lot loves nesting here. While they were busy hunting insects in South and Central America during winter, it is breeding time here.

Black-chinned Hummingbirds might be wandering around the entrance. When you spot them, the joy of birdwatching will undoubtedly reach a new level. This is the only bird species capable of flying backward, forward, sideways, up, and down.

As their name suggests, the grounds might have burrows where Burrowing Owls are nesting. But, then, the Cactus Wrens are year-round residents of the White Sands National Parks. To find them, you need to go to either the desert scrub or the dune field. Chihuahuan Ravens are a bird of the desert, so it is no coincidence that they are present in White Sand.

It is given that you will find the Greater Roadrunner in White Sands. They are New Mexico’s state bird for a reason. Other species found in the area are Northern Harrier, Loggerhead Shrike, and the Northern Mockingbird.

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Barn Swallow

Barn Swallows have vibrant blue and brown colors. They live throughout North America. Barn Swallows are abundant birds and are not endangered. They make their habitat in open fields, near water. These birds fly low just a few inches above the ground or water searching for flying insects to eat. They are the most common Swallow species in the world. Barn Swallows build their nests under eaves of buildings, in cliffs, or on bridges. They lay 4 to 5 eggs. Barn Swallows migrate south in flocks in mid-August.

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Black-chinned Hummingbirds are small green-backed Hummingbirds with a thin strip of purple on their black chin. They live throughout the western U.S. Their population is stable. They make their homes in river groves and near the suburbs. They make a low-pitched sound with their wings and enjoy feeding on nectar and small insects. Black-chinned Hummingbirds lay 2 eggs in small cup-shaped nests 4 to 8 feet off the ground. They are migratory birds; they spend winters in Mexico.

Burrowing Owl

Burrowing Owls are small and brown with yellow eyes. You can find them throughout the western United States, generally where there is a population of squirrels or prairie dogs. They are considered endangered. These Owls make their homes in prairies and farmlands. They hunt for food on the ground during the day. Burrowing Owls eat mice, squirrels, voles, and insects. They lay anywhere from 3 to 12 eggs. Their nests are burrows in the ground 6 to 10 feet long. Burrowing Owls found in the north, migrate to the south.

Greater Roadrunner

Greater Roadrunners have a dark brown body with a deep blue-black crest. They can grow to be two feet tall. They can be hard to find as they travel in the open country and desert of the southwest. Greater Roadrunner’s population has declined, but they are not at risk of being endangered. They make their homes in the desert and near scattered brush. Greater Roadrunners are born to run and can outrun a human! They eat insects, rodents, birds, and reptiles. They lay 3 to 5 eggs and defend their nesting area all year long. Their nests are built from leaves, sticks, feathers, snakeskin, and
sometimes pieces of manure. Greater Roadrunners are not migratory birds.

Northern Harrier

Northern Harriers are brown and gray with a white underside and black wingtips. They also have a white patch on their tail at the base. The face of a Northern Harrier is similar to an Owl. They live throughout North America. Their population is declining; however, they are still common. They make their homes in marshes, fields, and prairies. Northern Harriers eat small rodents and birds. The ones found in the south are permanent residents, while the ones found in the north migrate in both fall and spring.

Loggerhead Shrike

Loggerhead Shrikes have a white underbelly with a gray and black head and wings. They have a hooked bill with tiny teeth on it. Their population in the northeast is almost gone, but they are still common throughout other regions. They make their homes in trees, scrub, and semi-open country. Loggerhead Shrikes like to search for prey from utility poles and fence posts. They eat large insects, lizards, and small birds. They will save food for later by piercing it on a
barbed wire or thorn. These Shrikes build nests in thorny shrubs or trees and lay 5 to 6 eggs. Loggerhead Shrikes migrate early in the spring with those in the south being permanent residents.

Northern Mockingbird

Northern Mockingbirds are gray with white underbellies; they have black and white wings. Northern Mockingbirds live throughout the United States. They have had a recent rise in population and are not at risk of being endangered. Their habitat is in backyards, hopping along a fresh-cut lawn. Northern Mockingbirds sing all day and like to eat insects and berries. They build their nests in trees or shrubs 3-10 feet high. They lay 3 to 4 eggs. Some Northern Mockingbirds are thought to move south for the winter.

Horned Lark

Horned Larks are brown with a yellow and black face and small black “horns” made of feathers. You can find them throughout North America. There has been a decline in their population, but they are stable and not at risk of being endangered. Horned Larks live in large, empty fields, and deserts. They are ground birds, that eat seeds and insects. They lay 3 or 4 eggs in an open nest on the ground. While some Horned Larks are permanent
residents in their area, the Horned Larks found in the north migrate south.

Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawks have wide, round wings, and a short red tail. They are the most common Hawk throughout North America. Their population is steady with some recent increases. Red-tailed Hawks live in open fields, prairie groves, and mountains. These birds perch up high to look for their prey. They eat small animals like rabbits and voles. They lay 2 to 3 eggs in nests 120 feet high in trees. Their nests are made with sticks and shaped like a big bowl. Red-tailed Hawks residing in the north migrate south; however, those already in the south are permanent residents.

Western Kingbird

Western Kingbirds are gray with yellow plumage. They live across western North America. Their population is stable with some recent increases. Their habitat is on farms, near roadsides, and in other semi-open areas. They enjoy catching flying insects while perched on a tree or utility line. They also eat fruits. Western Kingbirds can be aggressive, chasing away other birds that come near. They lay 3 to 5 eggs in cup-shaped nests sometimes in empty sheds, on utility poles, and under building ledges. Western Kingbirds migrate in small flocks.

Final Thoughts

The good thing about bird watching at a place like White Sands National Park is that most species are limited to an area. If you don’t spot the birds near the entrance, the visitor center, or the desert scrub, there is a low chance you will find them anywhere else. If your goal is only birdwatching in the park, you can stick to these places.

Ornithology

Bird Watching Academy & Camp Subscription Boxes

At the Bird Watching Academy & Camp, we help kids, youth, and adults get excited and involved in bird watching. We have several monthly subscription boxes that you can subscribe to. Our monthly subscription boxes help kids, youth, and adults learn about birds, bird watching, and bird conservation.

Bird Watching Binoculars

The most common types of bird watching binoculars for viewing birds at White Sands National Park is the 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. Bird Watching Academy & Camp sells really nice 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. You can view and purchase them here.