Bernalillo County Open Space, Open Space Alliance and the Albuquerque geocache community invite residents and visitors to participate in the Burque Birding GeoFlight. The Burque Birding GeoFlight caches have a bird theme in celebration of Albuquerque’s highly esteemed designation as a 2014 featured city for the Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds (UCTMB). Discover what makes Albuquerque a special place for birds, name the common birds and have fun geocaching at some of the County’s most scenic birding sites.
Limited, trackable bird coins are available for cachers who find at least nine out of the twelve geocaches on their GeoFlight (as validated by their completed series Passport). Refer to the below cache images (BBG PASSPORT pg 1, and BBG PASSPORT pg 2) to print and learn how to use your Passport, and to discover additional Burque Birding GeoFlight series information. Once series requirements are met, commemorative coins may be picked up at the City of Albuquerque Open Space Visitors Center (6500 Coors Blvd NW).
Revised CABQ Open Space Visitor Center Hours (as of 08 Jul 21):
Summer Hours (02 Mar - 31 Oct) --
Tue & Wed: 9:00am - 5:00pm; Thu - Sun: 8:30am - 7:00pm; Mon: closed
Winter Hours (01 Nov - 01 Mar) --
Tue - Sat: 9:00am - 5:00pm; Sun & Mon: closed
Each cache contains a question card to assist you in filling out your Passport (inside, on lid). Additionally, each cache contains Bird Identification Cards for you to keep as a memento of your visit to the cache and each unique County birding location. Request each cacher take only one Bird Identification Card at each cache.
To learn more about the Bernalillo County Geocache programs and BernCo Bernie, click here.
Located south of the Central Avenue Bridge on the east side of the Rio Grande, the Tingley Ponds were constructed by the City of Albuquerque in the 1930's as a recreational aquatic area that was hydrologically connected to the Rio Grande. In 2004, a bosque restoration contract was awarded to:
-Restore Tingley Ponds to a sustainable aquatic system
-Provide suitable habitat to allow for a sustainable native fishery in the Central Pond
-Restore three distinct wetland communities (deep marsh, shallow marsh, and wet meadow) to the riparian ecosystem in the Albuquerque Reach of the Rio Grande
-Provide additional habitat for wetland dependent wildlife (amphibians, fish, and waterfowl)
-Increase recreational and educational opportunities for citizens of Albuquerque
-Improve the aesthetic appearance of Tingley Ponds and the immediate area
The restoration project was completed in 2005 and today observation areas close to the wetland communities are used to educate observers regarding the wetland ecosystems and wildlife. Additionally, increased fishing opportunities are available for public use at the ponds, a defined trail system is used by bicyclists and hikers, the trail system also provides rest areas that support passive recreational activities, including bird watching, photography, and general aesthetic appreciation.
From the parking lot, proceed southeast for approximately 275 ft along the fence/railroad tracks until the fence ends. Look across the bike path for the entrance into the City of Albuquerque Open Space. Make sure you take a minute to observe any birdlife from the nearby Pond's Bird Blind.