Bottomless Lakes State Park

Bottomless Lakes State Park is the oldest state park in New Mexico, created in 1933, 4 years before Bitter Lake NWR. An area of 1400 acres located along the eastern escarpment of the Pecos River Valley, the park contains 8 small, deep lakes, called cenotes. The lakes are similar to the sinkholes of Bitter Lake in origin and are spring fed by the Roswell artesian aquifer.

An aerial view and, no, I didn't take this picture. 

Lazy Lagoon is at the left and Lea Lake is on the right. 

We stopped at the visitor center wanting to purchase an annual entrance pass. The park ranger, David, waived the daily fee when we told him we were volunteers at BLNWR. 

Cottonwood Lake

The first cenote, Cottonwood Lake,  is a short walk behind the VC. 

Although the lakes are from 18 to 90 feet deep, the color caused by algae, make the depth seem greater. 

Cottonwood Lake

Mirror Lake - aptly named

We skipped Inkwell Lake this trip due to several fishermen on the edge. 

Invasive Salt Cedar has taken a toll on the landscape. 

The second largest is Lea Lake, and the only one where swimming is permitted. 

The view from the top of the escarpment

We birded picking up a total of only 15 species, mostly White-crowned Sparrow. Best birds were Spotted Towhee and Rock Wren. A Rock Pigeon with cooing echoing from off the canyon wall at Cottonwood Lake presented a mystery until we were able to pick him out from the rocky terrain. 

Lazy Lagoon was dotted with coots and an assortment of ducks, Ruddy, Redhead, Shoveler, Gadwall, and Mallard. One lone Canvasback was present on Mirror Lake. 

Butterflies were abundant, mostly Checkered White, with Saltbush Sootywing, and Marine Blue positively ID'd.

The ninth lake, Dimmitt Lake,  just south of the park boundary is owned by the Fin and Feather Club established in 1911. 

We will visit again during our tenure in Chaves County.

Week Number 2

We finished our second week at Bitter Lake NWR and I'm still captivated by the Blue Curls...

and Pepper Grass

This weather vane graces the maintenance barn

The old headquarters building is classic adobe style

We discovered this gorgeous mural depicting some of the wildlife 

I counted 12 different snake species.

The marker cites designation as a National Natural Landmark.  

The Refuge is named for Bitter Lake, an alkaline playa located on the north end of the Middle Unit. 

That's not snow, it's salt!

More than 70 sinkholes dot the landscape surrounding Bitter Lake

 but only the largest is named. 

 Lake St. Francis

This area is closed to the general public, understandably a dangerous environment. 

The new Visitor Center was dedicated in 2006, 

a  thoroughly modern state of the art facility 

setting on the bluff overlooking the marsh and the Pecos River. 

Sandhill Crane, Snow and Ross's Goose are the star winter residents, but when they leave the water levels are reduced for spring and summer waders such as 

American Avocet

White-faced Ibis

and Black-necked Stilt. 

Grassland birds include

Western Meadowlark

which seem leaner and lankier than the Eastern from South Texas

Vesper Sparrow lurk in the brush along the wildlife drive. 

This road runner visited the eastern deck of the VC, visibly upset with his reflection 

He raised his spread tail and flailed his spread wings, flogging his image more than once before admitting defeat. 

A pair of Great Horned Owl showed up just at sunset and serenaded us most of the night. 

Another beautiful sunset behind Capitan Mountain, 10083 feet high, which makes a great landmark for measuring the northward march of the sun toward the summer solstice. 

April 9 

April 16

On the Refuge, every day is Earth Day.

Exploring the Refuge and Roswell

After 3 days of work, we have 3 days of free time for exploration.

I started with our hilltop home where we're surrounded by wildflowers.

Not in my wildflower guide, but identical to the common yellow bladderpod.
Is it a soil thing or a different species?

Nama hispidum, or Sand-bells,

 Frances Williams always said this was her prayer. 

Bluecurls

Nice curls on this one. 

Abandoned eggs

I found a bone fragment up on the hill, not being a bone-ologist I have no idea how old or what animal.

Redwinged Blackbird fill the utility lines every evening

reminds me a a musical staff. 

Sunset behind Capitan Mountain, sun inching slowly toward summer solstice. 

Burrowing Owl in the prairie dog town on old Bitter Lake Road

Love the wink!

Didn't notice the second owl until I enlarged the photos on the computer, maybe a family in the making. 

Roswell was founded in 1869 when Van Smith constructed a saloon/hotel and store where the Pecos River and the Rio Hondo converged. He named the post office Roswell, his father's first name. 

One of the early settlers was John Chisum, who had his South Springs Ranch near Roswell. His brand was the most famous in the west consisting of splitting the ears of his cattle so 1/3 stood upright and the other 2/3 "jingled" 

Exploring the city we located Pioneer Park on Main Street. 

Sculpture of John Chisum, Cattle King of the Pecos.

Detail is so amazing

I can almost feel the hot breath on my face. 

Chisum was also involved in the Lincoln County War as he was friends with Tunstall and McSween. 

Chaves County Court House as seen from Pioneer Park. 

We have 3 months to explore and enjoy Roswell and Bitter Lake NWR.