Hiking – Spring Birds Along the Animas River in Farmington, NM.

Meet at the Riverside Nature Center at 8am. Coming from the north: Take US Hwy 550 to Aztec. In Aztec, 550 turns left and heads south. At that intersection, stay straight on Hwy 516, which becomes Main Street as you enter Farmington. Look for Browning Parkway (still Hwy 516), where you turn left. Drive to the first traffic light, turn right, proceed to the roundabout, go right there, then take your first left, which takes you to a parking area next to a gate. Walk through the gate and a short distance to the Center, where we’ll meet. Do not use your phone for directions: it will take you to the wrong place!

We'll hike from 8:00 to around 11:00 AM, about three miles round trip, along dirt trails on flat terrain. Riparian habitat. Leisurely pace. We will compare the birds we find with lists of resident and migrant species discovered last spring. Eighteen year-olds and up only. No dogs please. Use sunscreen, consider bug juice, bring binoculars, water, snacks, and dress for the weather. For greater enjoyment, download the Merlin App to your phone; it is free. I will demonstrate it. Limit of 7 people, as this is a joint trip with the Sierra Club.