Dumb luck birding! This is an essential requirement when birding, but the key is to let other folks know how to benefit from your luck. A few years back, quite by accident, Molly and I discovered that Las Cruces is a fantastic place to stop for one night, take a hike, and for me … easily see Roadrunners at a close distance which do not “exit stage left” upon seeing a human. The hiking path right next to the Rio Grande River in Las Cruces, New Mexico is great habitat for roadrunners, and because of all the “humans” that use said path, the birds have become somewhat used to people. During our first stay and bike ride a few years ago I saw lots of roadrunners along the path next to the river, often as close as 15 yards away, and the birds did not spook. Yesterday evening was no different. It is an easy 2.5 mile bike ride over to the river, and I saw my first roadrunner within yards of starting to bicycle along the river. Obviously one could also drive over and walk.

We stayed at the Comfort Suites … a very pleasant motel which is “south” of Interstate 10, and there is even a great small restaurant directly across the street … a vineyard which sells its own wines and serves Italian food with lots of outdoor dining, Luna Rossa Winery and Pizzeria. We are driving to Tucson. Thus, Las Cruces was a great final stop along our drive.

Las Cruces Roadrunner and Map