Red Rock WMA

Birds of Interest

Bendire’s Thrashers can be seen atop shrubs on Forest Road 851 or NM 474 on your way to Redrock. Birding in the riparian area along the Gila River is only possible from the bridge, as the remainder is privately owned. Residents include Gila Woodpecker, Abert’s Towhee, Gambel’s Quail, Greater Roadrunner, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed and Crissal Thrashers, Phainopepla, Black-throated Sparrow and Northern Cardinal. In summer, Common Black Hawk, White-winged Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Cassin’s Kingbird, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, Bronzed Cowbird, Scott’s Oriole, and Hooded Oriole are present. Zone-tailed Hawk is sometimes seen. 

About this Location

The Red Rock Wildlife Area,1530 acres, is located about 26 miles north of Lordsburg. Red Rock Wildlife Area was purchased beginning in 1960 as a propagation area for several species of exotic wildlife but now serves as a refuge for desert bighorn sheep.

The area is dry and mountainous with some wet meadows along the Gila River.

 To reach the NM Game and Fish area, cross at the bridge, turn right. At 1.5 miles the NM Game & Fish headquarters is visible (an old house). Check with Game & Fish personnel (if present) to determine which parts of the area are open to the public. If staff are not present, birders may continue along the main dirt road for a mile in areas that are not posted. Do not leave the road.

Features

  • Roadside viewing

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Official Website and Southwest New Mexico Birding Trail brochure

Last updated August 15, 2023