Led by Holly Thomas, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Welcome and who this is for: IF new to birding, bird curious, disabled birders, seasoned birders, or just want to enjoy a nice morning in the State Park – any level of experience welcome. A birder is someone who enjoys observing wild birds. Would love to have you join for this inclusive and accessible outing!
What to expect - We’ll enter the park as a group and settle in near the water fountain. This part of the park has brick pavers and a network of crushed gravel/sand paths that weave throughout the area. We will take a few minutes for introductions and then I’ll give a quick overview of mindfulness and mindful birding. I’ll invite a listening exercise, or for those with limited hearing, there will be an alternative. We’ll spend about a half hour to 45 minutes in this area which includes benches, hummingbird feeders, suet, a bird blind (accommodates a variety of heights), a water fountain and many trees which invite a variety of birds. People can remain in one spot if they like or move around a bit to explore, but we will all remain generally within sight of one another. After our agreed time, we will circle up and have a short time to share any reflections on the experience. If you’d like to continue with an optional walk, we will explore either the Upland Trail or the Resaca Trail or maybe a little of both. Both trails are mostly level with some undulations and a few slightly steeper sections that last about 20-30 yards. They are both a mix of crushed gravel and sand that is firmly packed, but both have some sections that are sandier and softer. We will take a pace that accommodates the slowest person and allows for frequent pauses and time for noticing and reflection. Both trails have several benches along the way. We will pick a turnaround point that will allow us to return to the parking lot by 10:30 am.