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.
Bachechi Open Space consists of 28 acres of Bosque habitat including wetlands, grasslands, and native vegetation that provides a rich environment for wildlife. The property is located near the Rio Grande and has a network of trails with interpretive signs that highlight the sites features including an acequia, pecan grove, arboretum, and much more. While visiting the property, make sure to pick up information about free public events located at the Bachechi Environmental Education Building including the Naturalist Series and fun activities for the whole family.
Limited parking is available at the main entrance on Rio Grande Blvd. Additional parking is available on Alameda Blvd., just west of Rio Grande Blvd. From the Alameda parking area, walk east and then south around the wetlands to get to the Bachechi Environmental Education Building.
Stage 1 is closest to the Rio Grande parking lot.
Stage 1 N 35 11.578 W 106 38.370 You will be at an 8 word sign that says Bachechi Open Space. You get your coords for the second stage from this sign.
Stage 2 N 35 11.6AB W 106 38.3CD
A= number of "B"s + number of "G"s
B=number of "R"s
C=number of "H"s + number of "D"s
D=number of "V"s
On your way to the 2nd stage, you pass several interesting spots. Across from the Environmental Education Building is the pecan grove with picnic tables and swings. As you head NW, you will cross a bridge over the wetlands. Take the time to look for wildlife here and read the interpretive sign. As you continue, you'll pass a turn for the arboretum that you can use for the 3rd stage.
You will be at the viewing blind for the 2nd stage. There is a plaque for a specific bird and its habits. There are 22 words in the description--use those to determine the coords for the final stage. Make a note to your self about the bird
Stage 3 (final): N 35 11.6AB W 106 38.2C
A=number of letters in the seventh word + number of letters in the eighth word in the description
B= number of letters in the first word in the description
C= number of letters in the last word in the description
For the final, head NE. You can take the paved path or you can go through the arboretum that has benches, shade, and a variety of trees.