Let's look at two National Wildlife Refuges in New Mexico.
Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge
The refuge is east of Las Vegas, New Mexico and is somewhat defined on its western border by the Gallinas River.
The visitor center has the expected displays of what you might expect to find in the refuge as well as a good supply of scopes and reference material.
These ponds were once pretty common. Changes in irrigation have made them more sparse, and less dependable through the year. That's where refuge land and water management comes in.
There's a footpath that takes you towards the Gallinas River (although not all the way). It's not a difficult path to follow, but you need to pay attention.
People once lived in these hills. Even stone houses will eventually decay.
Look for the small rocks and you'll see the trail.
This creek eventually will reach the Gallinas River. The trail doesn't go that far.
Birds are happy here.
Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge
The Maxwell reserve is not far from the small town of Maxwell. This land was once part of the enormous Maxwell land grant, which was the largest continuous land holding in the United States.
Birds like it here, too.
The edge between the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains is an interesting area.