| Ownership |
Cibola National Forest, Sandia District,
11776 Hwy. 337, Tijeras, NM, 87059, 505-281-3304, Beverly deGruyter, Biologist,
Dana Howlett, Visitor Information Specialist |
| Habitats |
Forest (temperate coniferous forest), Wetlands (stream) |
| Land-use |
Recreation |
| Threats |
Bikers, People playing in the water, Road noise |
| Site Criteria |
State conservation species (D1),
State research site (D5) |
| Site Description |
Otero Canyon, located about 4 miles
south of the Tijeras stoplight, is representative of some of the best mature
piñon/juniper landscape in New Mexico. When viewed from a vantage point, the
ridges and valleys of the Manzanitas appear to have a closed canopy, somewhat
resembling a jungle landscape. About two miles of Otero Canyon follows alongside
State Highway 337 from the Otero Trailhead east to the junction with Sabino
Canyon. This stretch of riparian bottomland has willows and cottonwoods and a
perennial stream, often collecting in pools or spilling across rocky surfaces.
Several good-sized cliff outcrops line the southern bank.
The forest service has created a Nature Trail through the heart of Cedro from
the Otero trailhead to the climbing cliff. The brochure highlights many other
attractions such as fossils, insects, and salamanders. The area is also rich in
rock art. |
| Birds |
This site is significant to NM birds because two important
habitat types are represented here. The piñon/juniper woodland around Otero
harbors one of the densest concentrations of Black-throated Gray Warbler. It is
in fact the most common bird on a BBS transect that follows the western
ridgeline. It is also an import breeding area for the Gray Flycatcher, a
bird well represented in the Manzanitas, and even, to some extent, in the
Manzanos, but virtually absent as a breeder in the Sandias. During a good piñon
winter, these woodlands are alive with Clark's Nutcracker, Red Crossbill, Cassin's
Finch and Red-breasted Nuthatch. The Cedro Riparian Area is a
favorite watering hole for migrants and hosts around 40 breeding species,
including Lazuli Bunting (at least some years), Virginia's Warbler, Cordilleran
Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher and Plumbeous Vireo. |
| Conservation Issues |
Currently managed by the
Cibola National Forest on the Sandia Ranger district there are no current major
conservation concerns. Minor threats include the presence of some cowbirds, and
rock-climbing on one cliff face within the area. Potential threats include
increased firebreak activity which may reduce the canopy in piñon/juniper
woodland creating unsuitable conditions for Black-throated Gray Warbler and an
increase in outdoor enthusiast use, especially mountain bikers and hikers going
off trail. The site is relatively secure from encroaching development and
concurrent habitat fragmentation. |
| Conservation Plan |
|
| Monitor(s) |
None assigned |
| Nominator |
Hart R. Schwarz, Cibola National Forest, 2113 Osuna Rd. NE,
Suite A, Albuquerque, NM, 87113, 505-346-2650 |
| Sources |
Cibola Breeding Bird Survey (1994, 1997) (CBBS)
Personal observations (1992-1999) (PO) |
| Links |
Cibola
National Forest |
| Directions |
Four miles south of the stoplight
in Tijeras, NM. |
| Species |
Year |
Status |
Population |
Criteria |
Criteria |
| Black-throated Gray Warbler |
94,97 |
Breeding |
21 pair average, 100
individuals maximum |
CBBS |
D1 |
| Cordilleran Flycatcher |
92-99 |
Breeding |
2 pair average, 10
individuals maximum |
PO |
D1 |
| Grace's Warbler |
92-99 |
Breeding |
4 pair average, 25
individuals maximum |
PO |
D1 |
| Gray Flycatcher |
94,97 |
Breeding |
5 pair average, 25
individuals maximum |
CBBS |
D1 |
| Plumbeous Vireo |
94,97 |
Breeding |
2 pair average, 10
individuals maximum |
CBBS |
D1 |
| Pygmy Nuthatch |
92-99 |
Resident |
4 pair average, 30
individuals maximum |
PO |
D1 |
| Virginia's Warbler |
92-99 |
Breeding |
10 pair average, 50
individuals maximum |
PO |
D1 |
| Western Bluebird |
94,97 |
Resident |
1 pair average, 5
individuals maximum |
CBBS |
D1 |
