Mayfield Ranch
This ranch, owned and operated by Mary and Gary Mayfield, is just a few miles upstream from Cottonwood Canyon along West Carrizo Creek, and nestled against the northern flank of the Black Mesa. The real draw here for birders is more than a mile of riparian deciduous growth along a permanent stream. The cottonwoods, boxelders and hackberries along the creek shade dense willow thickets and other underbrush. Pinyon-juniper forest flanks the shallow rimrock canyon. Along the creek, look for things like Eastern Phoebe, Bewick’s Wren and Ladder-backed Woodpecker, and in migration for eastern vagrants galore. The pinyon-juniper and rimrock could produce Rufous-crowned Sparrow and Greater Roadrunner, while hummingbird feeders at the Mayfield’s house are a magnet for Black-chinned Hummingbirds. Wild Turkeys often hang around the homestead in large numbers, and deer are frequently seen. The Mayfields also have a couple of very nice options for birders looking for accommodations, including a furnished trailer house and a cute adobe bungalow. They ask $25 per night per bed.
Restrictions: Private property; owner may restrict access
County: Las Animas
Directions: To inquire about access to this ranch and to get directions, please call Mary or Gary Mayfield at 719-643-5303 or email gandgm@hughes.net a minimum of 48 hours in advance of your potential visit. The fee for access is $10 per person per day. Please remember that this is a working ranch as well as a private residence, and there may be times when the landowner cannot accommodate visits. While you are on the ranch, remember to stay on roads, leave gates as you find them (whether open or closed), and refrain from taking anything off the ranch or leaving trash behind.
Alternate Directions: To inquire about access to this ranch and to get directions, please call Mary or Gary Mayfield at 719-643-5303 a minimum of 48 hours in advance of your potential visit. The fee for access is $10 per person per day. Please remember that this is a working ranch as well as a private residence, and there may be times when the landowner cannot accommodate visits. While you are on the ranch, remember to stay on roads, leave gates as you find them (whether open or closed), and refrain from taking anything off the ranch or leaving trash behind.
Habitat: Lowland Riparian, Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Stream
Dates of Access: Contact owner prior to visit
Hours:
Ownership: Private
Admission or Fees: $10/person/day
Parking: Gravel parking area
Lodging: A furnished trailer house and a cute bungalow are available for $25/night/person.
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited
Delorme: 101 D4
ROC: 157 D2-D3
Latitude: 37.13628
Longitude: -103.34717
Contact Information
Contact Mary or Gary Mayfield at 719-643-5303 or gandgm@hughes.net a minimum of 48 hours in advance of your visit.