April 10, 2022
The unearthly, snow-white sand dunes at White Sands National Park are as bizarre as they are beautiful. My arrival experience was lovely with crisp morning air and a purple sky.
I wasn’t expecting to see any birds on the sand, so I figured I’d bird the visitor center outside of the national park first. I got busy right away photographing House Finches singing from branches, cacti, metal signs, you name it. The males’ cherry red heads contrasted wonderfully with the desert landscape and I was content with those photos alone. A Curve-billed Thrasher dashing from bush to bush and a Great-horned Owl camouflaged in an agave plant were unexpected bonuses. My final species list at the visitor center had House Finches, Black-throated Sparrows, Barn Swallows, a Curve-billed Thrasher, and a Great-horned Owl. Satisfied and eager to see the dunes, I packed up my camera and headed toward the national park entrance. Time to hit the sand!
It took a bit of driving down the park’s two lane road before any white sand was visible. Eventually, even the road was covered in a thin layer of white. The park’s roads are easy to navigate and eventually lead to a scenic loop which I must have driven around a dozen times. I romped across the sand on foot in search of the tallest hill, only to spot one 100 yards away that looked even taller. Before I knew it, the car was nowhere in sight. Luckily my footprints were retained in the sand, so I was able to retrace my steps.
I hadn’t seen a single bird since leaving the visitor center. After all, there aren’t many options for them in terms of shelter or food on sand dunes. To my surprise, I spotted two ravens standing stoically in the white sand on my walk back to the car. The wind was blowing just enough to reveal a white patch on one of the raven’s throats.
I’m fascinated by Chihuahuan Ravens. Compared to the more widespread Common Raven, they’re compact in size and occur in deserts across Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, and Mexico. What can I say? I’m a sucker for desert birds.
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Gone Birdin' 