Lesser Prairie Chickens are resident in the southeast section of NM.  Recent reports in the  NMOS Field Notes come from Lea, Eddy, Chaves, and Roosevelt counties.  Older reports come from Quay, Curry, and De Baca counties (the only report from these counties since the early 60's is 8 birds from Curry Co. in 1988). Historic records come from Union and Harding counties.  

 By far the best time to find birds is when they are lekking from about mid March through early May with mid April being the peak of the season.  The best access to the habitat for viewing is at the Caprock Wildlife Habitat Area about 40 miles east of Roswell.  These are grazed lands and permission and registration with the Roswell BLM office is necessary for entering the leks.  In 1997 and possibly 1998, access is questionable due to ongoing habitat studies, though the BLM indicates the possibility of leading or fostering group visits.  See the Southeast NM Audubon web page at:

http://www.rt66.com/~kjherman/4Audubon.htm  

 Call the Roswell BLM office, Dan Baggao or Ran French, at (505)627-0272 for registering and precise direction to the currently active leks.  

Unless otherwise noted, all original material in this page copyright 1998 by Jerry R. Oldenettel, All Rights Reserved