New Mexico - Arizona - Colorado Trip ~ March 6, 2006

On Monday, March 6th, Babe Webster and I flew to Albuquerque to try and see some of the rarities that were present in New Mexico and Arizona. Our target birds included Yellow Grosbeak, Black Rosy-Finch, Streak-backed Oriole, Rufous-backed Robin, and Gunnison Sage-Grouse, which we hoped might start visiting the lek before our week was over.

As soon as we got our small rental SUV, we headed over to the backyard of 1412 Las Lomas Road in Albuquerque. After about an hour-and-a-half wait, the Yellow Grosbeak popped up out of a vine-covered tree just outside of the yard and flew in to the feeders, giving us all the nice views we wanted.

Yellow Grosbeak at 1412 Las Lomas Road, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
This bird was photographed just outside the yard. This photo shows the large gray bill, large yellow head, all-yellow underparts, white spots on the black wings, and white spots in the dark tail.

Yellow Grosbeak at 1412 Las Lomas Road, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
This bird was photographed at the feeders. This photo shows the large yellow head, large bill (which has a slightly deformed upper mandible), yellow underparts with some dark flank streaks, white spots on the black wings, and dark-streaked back.

After enjoying the bird for about an hour, we headed up to Sandia Crest to check out the Rosy-Finches. There, at the Crest House, we saw all three species, including Babe's 'life' Black Rosy-Finch.

Black Rosy-Finch at Sandia Crest, near Albuquerque, New Mexico.
This bird was photographed at the Crest House feeders. This photo shows the dark head, back, and body with light gray head patch, rose-edged wings, and fainter rosy underparts. A Brown-capped Rosy-Finch is also in the upper left of this photo.

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch at Sandia Crest, near Albuquerque, New Mexico.
This bird was photographed at the Crest House feeders. This photo shows the dark forehead, light gray head patch, rose-edged wings, and fainter rosy underparts on an overall dark brown body.

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