Spotted Owl Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis mexicanus) is sparse but wide-spread in the mountain ranges of western NM. Recent reports are from the Zuni Mts., Tularosa Mts., San Mateo Mts., Magdalena Mts., Pinos Altos Mts., Black Range, and Animas Mts. There are two late 60's reports from the Los Alamos area. Lack of records from other southwestern ranges are probably due to a lack of coverage. Some reasonably good locations to hear birds (much tougher to see) are: Along NM-15 north of Silver City in the Pinos Altos Mts of Grant County. Best location is above (north) of McMillen Campground to the Signal Peak turnoff. A reliable location is between Emory Pass and Iron Creek Campground in the Black Range on the Sierra/Grant county border about 10 miles west of Kingston on NM-152. Best experience has been spring or summer just before sunrise as the birds reestablish contact while heading for their roost, though I'm sure the birds are permanent residents and probably call throughout the year. This Spotted Owl was one of a pair, photographed Unless otherwise noted, all original material in this page copyright 1998,1999 by Jerry R. Oldenettel, All Rights Reserved |