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Description
Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located where the southern Great Plains and the Chihuahuan Desert bump up against each another, west of the Pecos River. The refuge was established in 1937 to provide wintering habitat for migrating birds. This series of lakes, wetlands, slow moving springs, shrubs, and grasslands is well worth a visit any time of year. The abundant water supply draws many birds to the refuge. More than 350 bird species have been recorded.
The refuge is known for seeing shorebirds in migration, when they rest and feed in the shallow wetlands. Species such as Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Western Sandpiper and Long-billed Dowitcher are common. Some of New Mexico’s most threatened species, including the Least Tern, White-rumped Sandpiper and the Snowy Plover can also be found in the refuge.
Geese and ducks by the thousands make the refuge their home from fall through spring. Sandhill Crane is also common in winter, in impressive flocks.
Breeding birds include Wilson's Phalarope, Snowy Plover, Scaled Quail, White-faced Ibis, Virginia Rail, Greater Roadrunner, Cassin's Sparrow, Pyrrhuloxia and Blue Grosbeak.
Détails
Accès
Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located 7 miles northeast of Roswell, in Chaves County. From Roswell (south side): Take US 380 (Second Street) east about three miles to Red Bridge Road. Follow Red Bridge Road north to Pine Lodge Road and travel east to the refuge entrance gate. From Roswell (north side): Take US 285 (Main Street) north to Pine Lodge Road. Take Pine Lodge east about 6 miles to the refuge entrance. Click on a P in the map for directions to one of the parkings.
There is no charge to visit. In the visitor center you can check a list of recent sightings. Visitor center hours: Mon - Fri (First Saturday of June through August 31) 9 am - 4 pm, Mon - Sat (First Saturday of September through First Saturday of June) 9 am - 4 pm. The Visitor center has the only potable water and flush toilets at the refuge. Primitive toilets are located on the southwest portion of the refuge Wildlife Drive at the Desert Upland Trailhead.
Bitter Lake has a 6.5 mile Wildlife Drive auto tour route and several hiking trails, including a good birding trail to an old oxbow of the Pecos River. The Wildlife Drive is open from sunrise to sunset.