Description: As the name implies, Mescalero Sands is comprised of sand soils and dunes, with bluestem grasses and shinnery oak as the main vegetation. A large portion of Mescalero Sands is within the Bureau of Land Management Caprock Wildlife Habitat Area. This site offers the possibility of viewing the courtship ritual of the lesser prairie chicken, although population numbers are currently low for this species. Vehicle access to the area is limited to caliche-surfaced roads through the undulating and sandy terrain.

Wildlife to Watch: Prairie chicken dancing on leks occurs from early March through mid-May, with peak activity in April. Male birds begin their courtship about one-half hour before sunrise and may continue for up to two hours, depending on weather conditions and disturbances.

Also watch for pronghorn, mule deer, and coyote, as well as Northern harrier, burrowing owl, Swainson’s hawk, horned lark, meadowlark, and several migrating species including the scissor-tailed flycatcher. The prairie rattlesnake is also common here.

Special Tips: It is advised that the Bureau of Land Management Roswell Field Office be contracted prior to visitation for in-depth information on potential success for observing birds, vehicle access, methods of viewing, and specific sites to visit.

Driving Directions: From downtown Roswell, take U.S. Highway 380 (Second Street) east for about 42 miles to the Waldrip Rest Area on the south side of the highway. An access road is located immediately across the highway (north) from the rest area. This is the main access route to view booming grounds (call BLM office first for suggestions on areas most productive for viewing). Also visit the Mescalero Sands North Dune Recreation Area, a developed site 2 miles east of the Waldrip Rest Area, set among large active sand dunes south of the highway. Numerous bird species are attracted to the large cottonwood trees growing within the dune complex.

For more information call (505) 627-0272.

Ownership: Bureau of Land Management ; New Mexico State Land Office; and some private parcels.
Size: N/A
Closest Town: Roswell

Facilities:

Best Seasons for Wildlife Viewing:

Main Photo Credit: Mescalero Sands By Leaflet [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons

Wildlife Viewing Areas

A Guide to North American Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

Mescalero Sands

Verified Listing

Mescalero Sands

Login