Costilla county is not a heavily birded place. First of all, there are few public lands and lots of private subdivisions. People who do live in these remote locations watch out for each other. Secondly, after a poaching ring sting back in the 1980's, locals are suspicious of people with binoculars peering through the landscapes. Over the years I have received a number of reports of birders being accosted when out there birding. Thirdly, the crime rate is a concern in those remote locations. So, John Stump and I headed out and hoped today would work out okay....and thankfully, it did.
Up on San Pedro Mesa (aka Wild Horse Mesa) just south of San Luis, we saw a great diversity of species on this Father's day morning. Sagebrush Sparrows were fairly common. A Black-throated Gray Warbler was a very good find. Gray Flycatcher, Cooper's Hawk, Red Crossbills, Hermit Thrush, Plumbeous and Warbling Vireo, and Ash-throated Flycatcher were exciting finds. (Note: the Ash-throated Flycatcher may have been into NM as we likely crossed into the state to our south toward the end. All the rest were CO side).
I don't know if any guidebooks list this area, and mine did not know about this place at the time, so it was not a listed hotspot. John and I talked at length about the possibility of SW species like Hepatic Tanager, Black-chinned Sparrow, Canyon Towhee and similar and feel the potential for rarities is there. The place certainly has intriguing possibilities. If you go there, bring a GPS and maps to negotiate the maze of roads. And above all, try to not look too suspicious and respect the private property.
Was a wonderful start to this Father's Day and great morning out.
John Rawinski
Monte Vista, CO
PS Thanks to all for the nice comments on my photo website!
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