396. Red Crossbill

Date         October 16, 2026

Location    Salinas Pueblos Missions National Monument, Quarai, NM

This species is notoriously difficult to find due to their nomadic nature. I was fortunate to have a "guide" help identify this one for me.

We were participating in the ranger-led tour of the mission ruins, and he constantly interrupted himself to point out birds. He was an avid birder. Based on what he was saying and identifying, it was clear that he was the real deal. So I eventually trusted him on the ID, although I was pretty much able to confirm the call notes and behavior.

So as we're walking along, he stops and points out a small flock of birds overhead. We heard lots of call notes. He said they were red crossbills, and that they nest in the nearby Manzano mountains. I can't say that I got a great look at them -- I didn't even have binoculars, but again, based on his obvious skill and confidence, and after reading up on the species later, I was comfortable making the call.

Cornell: Red Crossbill

395. Western Bluebird

Date         October 13, 2026

Location    El Morro National Monument, Ramah, NM

We were on the return hike, up on the crest of the rock formation, when we heard a lot of noise and saw an active flock of birds below us. One look through the binoculars confirmed that it was a flock of bluebirds. As Cornell says:

"This small thrush . . . often gathers in small flocks outside of the breeding season to feed on insects or berries, giving their quiet, chortling calls."

I like to confirm the ID through other clues, like behavior, habitat, etc. It makes it more fun.

Cornell: Western Bluebird

394. Pygmy Nuthatch

Date         October 13, 2026

Location    El Morro National Monument, Ramah, NM

Shortly after leaving the visitor center, we began hiking on the Inscription trail, which was lined with pine trees. We heard a lot of chatter and saw a lot of movement in them. I managed to get a quick look at one bird through binoculars. I knew it was a nuthatch, and I hoped that it was Pygmy.

I wanted to be sure to eliminate White-breasted Nuthatch since they are also within range. (I had Merlin listening on my phone, and it had Pygmy listed, but I still wanted to be sure.) I looked at a picture of the White-breasted and instantly knew -- in my brief look I was quite sure that the color went down to the eye, whereas White-breasted basically has an all-white face. I also heard some vocalizations that sounded like Pygmy.

The behavior fits Pygmy as well. They are described as gregarious and commonly found in flocks.

Cornell: Pygmy Nuthatch