| Ownership |
Historic Los Luceros, P.O. Box 373,
Alcalde, NM 87511, 505-852-3245, rancho_nm@cybermesa.com |
| Habitats |
Forest (riparian, orchard), Shrubland/grassland, Pasture |
| Land-use |
Agriculture (orchard), Pastureland, Tourism |
| Threats |
Introduced plants (salt-cedar, Russian Olive) |
| Site Criteria |
State conservation species (D1) |
| Site Description |
Los Luceros lies northeast of the town
of Alcalde on the Rio Grande. The site consists of an apple orchard, alfalfa
fields, a few horses, sheep, and cows, 8 major structures, irrigation ditches, a
large natural field, and two large bosque areas. A third area is being returned
to bosque by planting of trees. The Historic Los Luceros Foundation is returning the area
to the state that existed at the turn of the 20th century. The site together
with structures were the home of Mary Cabot Wheelwright from 1923 to 1958. The
site has been bought by the Cabot family and is being restored and is open to the
public. Efforts to date include restoration of the
houses. Removal of non-native plants and trees (i.e. salt cedar, Russian olive).
Re-establishing the bosque area along the Rio Grande by planting native species.
Collaborative efforts have been set up with the New Mexico Historical Museum,
New Mexico State University, and the Sangre de Cristo Audubon Society. Audubon
has been conducting bird surveys on the property for the past three years. In addition,
two of the people surveying this property conducted a breeding bird survey
of this and the surrounding area. In 1950, Rancho de Los Luceros was listed
among New Mexico's Register of Cultural Properties, followed in 1983 by National
Park Service endorsement on the National Register of Historic Places.
Los Luceros is currently closed to the public. |
| Birds |
During the period (2001-present) 152 species have been observed
during 120 surveys. Of most
significance is the number of Lewis's Woodpecker on the property. They have been
observed every time with an average number of 21 birds each time. The maximum
number seen has been 68 with a minimum of 2. Additionally, Wood Ducks are year
round residents and are breeding on the property. Bald Eagles and Dippers are
winter residents. Bank Swallows, unusual in the area, have been seen along the
Rio Grande at this location.
Additional species of
conservation concern that have been seen at Los Luceros.
American Dipper, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Clark's
Nutcracker, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Grace's Warbler, Gray
Flycatcher, Green-tailed Towhee, MacGillivray's Warbler, Osprey,
Piņon Jay, Plumbeous Vireo, Prairie Falcon,
Red-naped Sapsucker, Sage Thrasher, Virginia's
Warbler, Williamson's Sapsucker, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo. |
| Conservation Issues |
Efforts continue on the removal of Russian Olive and
replacement with New Mexico Olive. Young cottonwoods are being planted to
rejuvenate the bosque along the Rio Grande. |
| Conservation Plan |
|
| Monitor(s) |
None assigned |
| Nominator |
Martin MacRoberts, 2982 Orange, Los Alamos, NM 87544,
505-662-2106 |
| Sources |
Sangre de Cristo Audubon survey records 2000-2004
available on e-bird. (e-bird)
Bird Checklist Historic Los Luceros, Sangre de Cristo Audubon Society, 2003 |
| Links |
|
| Directions |
Los Luceros is currently CLOSED. Take NM-68 north from Espanola to Alcalde. Just past
the Oņate Memorial on the right is a
sign and left turn to Los Luceros. This short road has speed bumps so be
careful. At the stop sign, jog to the entrance and drive to the parking lot. |
| Species |
Year |
Status |
Population |
Source |
Criteria |
| Bald Eagle |
00-04 |
Winter |
1 individual average,
maximum 2 individuals |
e-bird |
D1 |
| Bank Swallow |
00-04 |
Breeding |
9 individuals average,
maximum 38 individuals |
e-bird |
D1 |
| Lewis' Woodpecker |
00-04 |
Resident |
16 individuals average,
maximum 68 individuals |
e-bird |
D1 |
| Mountain Bluebird |
00-04 |
Winter |
11 individuals average,
maximum 74 individuals |
e-bird |
D1 |
| Sandhill Crane |
00-04 |
Passage |
1 individual average,
maximum 13 individuals |
e-bird |
D1 |
| Townsend's Solitaire |
00-04 |
Winter |
4 individuals average,
maximum 18 individuals |
e-bird |
D1 |
| Western Bluebird |
00-04 |
Winter |
1 individual average,
maximum 14 individuals |
e-bird |
D1 |
| White-faced Ibis |
00-04 |
Passage |
1 individual average,
maximum 23 individuals |
e-bird |
D1 |
| Wood Duck |
00-04 |
Resident |
3 individuals average,
maximum 13 individuals |
e-bird |
D1 |
