Visit on March 12-13

[Gary Botello]

I plan on coming to Sandia Crest to try to view Rosy Finches on March 12-13. I hope to arrive on March 12 between 11AM-Noon and staying most of the afternoon. Are my chances pretty good for finding the birds? Also, I see Pine Grosbeak is another possibility. Any suggestions on the best places in the area to find one?

THANKS!
Gary Botello (Flagstaff, AZ)

[Rosyfinch]

Hi, Gary--

By mid-March, the number of rosy-finches and the sizes of individual flocks will start to decrease. Some species may depart earlier than others. Since Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches have been scarce this year, I would not be surprised if they become harder to find.

However, flocks have persisted past the middle of March in 7 of the past ten years, and stragglers often continue into early April. All in all, you have a fairly good chance of seeing all three species, and an excellent chance of seeing at least two.

See the charts and links to earlier years' sightings logs on this page.

[Gary Botello]

Well I finally made it out to Sandia Crest on March 12, 2010. It was cold, but a sunny beautiful morning. I arrived about 11:30AM and there was a flock of about 50+ mixed Rosy Finches awaiting me! I stayed for about 2 hours snapping photos (the birds remained, on and off, the whole time) and ate lunch. I did manage to see all 3 species. Thanks for all your help in planning my visit. It was definitely worth the drive from Flagstaff to see these beautiful birds!

Gary