The Black Rock Bosque provides habitat for the endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (the largest concentration for more than 100 miles). In addition to the species listed below, Clark’s Grebe, Wood Duck, Peregrine Falcon, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo breed here in some years. Osprey and MacGillivray’s Warbler pass through in spring and fall. There is also a colony of Eared Grebe. The site acts as a magnet for migrating waterfowl. As many as 10000 dabbling ducks use the site during migration. The old-growth cottonwoods provide a rare deciduous forest in the high desert.

Black Rock and Nutria Lakes Important Bird Area consists of the 229-acre Black Rock Lake, a shallow (up to 6 feet deep) impoundment, and the three impounded Nutria Lakes ranging in size from 80 to 350 acres. 

The shallow depth of Blackrock Lake makes it ideal for dabbling ducks and shorebirds. The riparian areas surrounding the lakes are a complex of mature native cottonwoods, several species of willow, and other trees. Just downstream of the Blackrock Dam is a concentration of beaver ponds that provide excellent wetland habitat. Marshes contain cattail, bulrush, and spikerush. Pinon-juniper covered mesas surround this wide riparian valley. Animals include beaver, deer, and coyote. 

From Zuni Pueblo go east on NM-53 to the lake. Continue on NM-53 and north on NM-602. Turn east onto a dirt road to Nutria Lakes.