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

Meep – Meep!

There were no Wile E. Coyotes during yesterday afternoon’s bike ride along the Rio Grande River in New Mexico, but there were Road Runners … lots of Road Runners!!! Molly and I are working our way from Big Bend National Park to Tucson which necessitated and overnight stop along the way. Enter my friend, Google Maps … with satellite and bicycle layers activated. My map research determined that the Holiday Inn Express Hotel was located only 200 yards from a bike trail. Thus, after hours in the car we took an eighteen mile bike ride with a significant section along the Rio Grande River.

Here in Las Cruces, New Mexico, much of the Rio Grande is a dry riverbed. There is a very small amount of water which has not been tied up and used for farm irrigation. The end result is the habitat next to the river is perfect for Road Runners. Given the bike path, the birds were somewhat habituated to people. I quickly discovered if I dismounted from my bicycle, the road runners became concerned and ran away. However, I could bike within ten yards, and as long as I continued to straddle my bike, my presence was tolerated.

Moral of the story … do advance research. Google Maps made for an excellent bike and birding excursion rather than sitting in a motel room. While I have seen road runners a few times in my life, I have never had this kind of viewing experience. Uff Dah!

Road Runner!

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