June 4 Rattlesnake Springs and Black River

Another hot day forecast, but Rattlesnake Springs is another must do spot, so once again the intrepid birders departed home before 7 AM, a true accomplishment for old retired folks.

Not as far a drive today, so even after stopping for a Subway Sunrise Melt and a fresh tank of gas, we arrived at the picnic area by 8:30 AM.

The area was homesteaded in the 1880's by William Henry Harrison, not the President but claiming to be related. He established the Harrison ditch system to irrigate his . When he died in 1930, the National Park System acquired the land to serve as a water source for Carlsbad Cavern NP.

Rattlesnake Spring

Pump House constructed in 1933. 

 The massive cottonwood trees were planted by the CCC. 

The CCC camp was used as a recreation area for military personnel from a nearby airfield during WWII, but was demolished in the 1950's. 

The oasis has numerous birds, butterflies, reptiles, and mammals. Most vocal today were Bell's Vireo, 5 or more, and most visible were Vermillion Flycatcher, at least 3 pair. 

Black Phoebe at the spring

Blue Grosbeak

Summer Tanager

Yellow-breasted Chat

Say's Phoebe

When a large dark raptor passed overhead, I jokingly said "Make sure that's not a Zone-tailed Hawk". Imagine our surprise when it was actually a juvenile Golden Eagle. 

About 2 miles from Rattlesnake Springs in the Cottonwood Day Use Area of Black River Wildlife Management, BLM. While most of Black River is dry, this area remains an oasis for wildlife.

The observation deck is new, not the old platform that was here in 2011 on our last visit.

The flood debris from September 2013 was piled high in the cottonwood trees at the edge of the deck. 

A real surprise was a pair of Northern Harrier, male and female, coursing over the marsh when we arrived in the parking lot. My camera finger just wasn't quick enough to capture a photo. 

Another treat was a juve Great Horned Owl walking on the hillside. He posed for several photos before hopping into the cover of  the juniper harboring the watchful parent. 

The temperature was pushing 100, so we opted out of the picnic for air conditioning and a  large iced tea in Carlsbad. 

When I snapped this view of El Capitan and Guadalupe Peak, the previously clear air had become murky. 

The parking lot at Pecos River Cafe on Canal Street was packed, so we decided that must be the place, and we were not disappointed. I opted for chicken enchiladas with green chile sauce and Alvin choose the taco salad. Good decisions. 

The thermometer in the jeep topped out at 113 as we started up the long hill leaving Carlsbad to return to The Ranch. That's all, folks.