Bitter Lake NWR--Sandhill Crane Overlook

Tips for Birding

This is the hotspot at which to report observations from, and in the immediate vicinity of, the Sandhill Crane Overlook, which is located above and on the west side of the auto tour loop about one and a half miles south of the Visitor Center. The Overlook gravel parking area has both north and south entry or exit points; birders are cautioned loop traffic is 2-way, although signage (such as that announcing the Overlook) is oriented for drivers traveling in a counterclockwise direction. 

Observations at other specific hotspots on the Refuge (e.g., the Visitor Center) should be reported for those hotspots, whereas observations on the Refuge not near specific hotspots should be reported for the general Bitter Lake NWR hotspot. Because the Overlook gives a wide view of the wetlands below and to the east, Overlook eBird species-frequency bar charts may include sightings of birds actually located far away from the Overlook and nearer other specific Refuge hotspots (notably the Pájaro Blind hotspot, which is on the other side of wetland Unit 7 from the Overlook, looking northeast). eBirders are encouraged to describe the area across which their observations occur, such as “includes distant wetlands sightings“, in their list’s “Checklist Comments”.

As its name suggests, the Overlook is a great place to watch fall and winter Sandhill Crane flights over the wetlands at either dawn or dusk. Typically, during the latter half of October, tens of thousands of cranes are roosting overnight at the Refuge’s eponymous lake west of the Bike Trail. Around sunrise, they will leave singly or, more often, in groups (sometimes numbering a few hundred), flying north, west, and south. Near sunset, the cranes return to Bitter Lake from their daily foraging, and the Sandhill Crane Overlook offers a spectacular twilight view of large Vs, with the birds raucously calling as they head to the roost. The number of birds can drop rapidly from its seasonal peak; only a few thousand cranes or fewer might be seen by early December.

To view from the Overlook birds on the wetlands, a spotting scope is absolutely necessary, and there are in fact nearer observation areas off the tour loop to observe foraging or roosting waterfowl. Vegetation immediately surrounding the Overlook consists of Chihuahuan desert scrub and dry plains grasses, with low-growing mesquite, four-wing saltbush, alkali sacaton, tobosa, and grama predominating. Mourning Doves, Chihuahuan Meadowlarks, and sparrows are found in this habitat.

Cell phone signal strength is fairly good at the hotspot site. There are no public garbage cans at the Overlook, nor indeed anywhere on the Refuge as of fall 2022.

About this Location

The Sandhill Crane Overlook is on the west side of the auto tour route.

About Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

See all hotspots at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Bittle Lake National Wildlife Refuge has been designated as an Important Bird Area.

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge protects and provides habitat for some of New Mexico’s most rare and unusual creatures such as the least shrew, Noel’s amphipod, least tern, Pecos sunflower, and Roswell spring snail.

Located where the Chihuahuan Desert meets the Southern Plains, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is one of the more biologically significant wetland areas of the Pecos River watershed system. Established in 1937 to provide wintering habitat for migratory birds, the refuge plays a crucial role in the conservation of wetlands in the desert Southwest.

Bitter Lake is an ecological crossroad where the Chihuahuan Desert meets short grass prairie, the Pecos River, and the Roswell artesian basin. The blending of these different ecological conditions has created some unusual biological conditions. Here you will find wetland-dependent species interacting with desert creatures.

The abundant water supply draws a documented 357 species of birds to the refuge. In addition 59 species of mammals, more than 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, 24 types of fish, and more than 100 species of dragonflies and damselflies are found in this oasis.

Features

  • Roadside viewing

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge Official Website and John Montgomery

Last updated March 12, 2023