Northern New Mexico's Osprey Festival

Join Us This Summer in Cool Northern
New Mexico and Watch the Ospreys Soar!

Osprey are plentiful in many areas of the United States, but their return to the rivers and lakes of northern New Mexico, after a long absence, has been exciting for both local residents and birders from around the country. OspreyFest 2009 at Heron Lake State Park celebrates their return and is designed to surprise and delight birders and wildlife enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you visit for a day, a long weekend, or plan to stay awhile, the beautiful Chama River valley has something for everyone.

At an altitude of 7300 feet, Heron Lake State Park, and nearby El Vado Lake State Park, are home to bald eagles, blue heron, white pelicans, and more than XX species of wild birds. But the stars of our annual show are 19 pairs of nesting osprey, whose annual fledge occurs in conjunction with the festival. Four of the most active nests are visible from easily-accessed land-based viewing stations staffed by knowledgeable volunteers. The highlight for many visitors is the availability of a guided pontoon-boat Water Safari, which provides a unique angle for viewing less-accessible nests and other lush scenery and wildlife in the park.

The Chama River valley is a wildlife viewing paradise on the Colorado border in far northern New Mexico. Mild sunny days and clear crisp nights are a hallmark of this unique area of northern New Mexico. The nearby Village of Chama features comfortable overnight accommodations suitable for any pocketbook in a wide array of motels, trailer and RV parks, and at the Heron and El Vado Lakes State Parks where special areas are set aside for Audubon Society visitors and OspreyFest pre-registrants. A supermarket, restaurants, gift shops, and art and craft galleries make Chama the perfect hub for one-stop shopping, a weekend stay, or longer. Additional specialty shops offer a full range of models and paraphernalia honoring Chama's very own steam train, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.

A Word from Our Sponsor

OspreyFest is sponsored by the Friends of Heron and El Vado Lakes, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the staff of Heron and El Vado Lakes State Parks and the New Mexico State Parks Division create and maintain educational and recreational opportunities for the communities they serve.