Percha Dam

by Tim Lawton

Many readers of the newsletter have inquired about the locations of some of the places mentioned in the Bird Notes. With this issue, we will begin to provide directions for getting to some of the birding hot spots mentioned. The inaugural location is Percha Dam State Park, north of Hatch, where some riparian woodland remains along the Rio Grande. This habitat attracts migrants and residents alike, making this one of the best places to watch birds along the Rio Grande in southern New Mexico. Distances listed below are approximate.

Directions

Drive north on I-25 from Las Cruces to Exit 59 for Caballo Dam and Arrey. Upon exiting, turn left (south) on State Highway 85 and proceed about one mile to a left turn at the south side of an apparently abandoned baseball diamond. Proceed east on this good gravel road, which traverses cultivated fields. These fields are commonly good for sparrows and raptors, especially in winter. After about 3/4 mile the gravel road turns right and traverses creosote scrub habitat that is good for desert birds. The left side of this road varies from dry scrub and grass to a cattail marsh. Percha Dam State Park lies across a canal about 2 miles from the turn. There is a fee station at the entrance.

Site Description

The central, developed area of the park is a relatively manicured, open bosque of cottonwoods with picnic tables and campsites. When not heavily occupied, this area is good for woodpeckers, flycatchers and vireos. Flanking the east side of the park along the river is a thick growth of willow and cottonwood that boasts some of the best warbler watching in the valley during migration in May, August and September. You can park anywhere along the river edge of the park and walk along this riparian area.

There are two other hot spots here. At the south end of the park near the river is a fence with a narrow gap. For about a half mile, there is a trail that follows the river and passes beside a thick cottonwood bosque. This bosque is excellent for birds in all seasons and is probably the best place to go if your time is limited. Watch the river for ducks, shorebirds and kingfishers; the bosque for passerines, hawks, owls and woodpeckers. Sparrows are abundant in the scrub and mesquite near the fence. The other spot to check is a woodland directly north of the fee station and canal. There is a wide spot to park on the east side of the road just north of the canal, and a gate into the forest. In this small woodland there are commonly flycatchers, woodpeckers, and warblers of many sorts during migration. Like birders, accipiters and falcons often seek the smaller birds here. A short walk brings you to the still water of the river north of Percha Dam, a good place for waterfowl. In spring, bring your mosquito repellent for this area.