While Black-chinned Hummingbird is common April through August, Broad-tailed is typically here only April and May. Whereas American Crow is reported mid-fall through spring, Common Raven is observed throughout the year and Chihuahuan Raven February and March. April into June, the presence of 4 swallow species may challenge birders:  Violet-green, Northern Rough-winged, Barn, and Cliff.  Evening Grosbeak has been sparsely reported during winter. 

The Fine Arts Fishing Pond is a 2.25-acre triangular-shaped reservoir, bordered by trees on two sides, directly south of the of the Fine Arts building, on the west side of the New Mexico Tech campus. The water is not potable. There is no swimming or boating. Fishing is catch and release only. Anglers are to obtain a permit from Facilities Management.

Generally, birders will come up Canyon Drive through the golf course, parking near the clubhouse or Fine Arts building, then hike down to the reservoir.

The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech) is located in Socorro and has a picturesque campus with a blend of modern facilities and southwestern charm. Spread across approximately 320 acres, the campus is characterized by its adobe-style architecture and scenic landscapes, surrounded by the desert mountains of the Rio Grande Valley. The campus features state-of-the-art academic buildings, laboratories, and research centers, catering to a strong focus on science, engineering, and technology disciplines. Students have access to well-equipped facilities, including the Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, the Magdalena Ridge Observatory, and the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center. The campus also includes student housing, recreational facilities, and green spaces, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. The unique blend of academic excellence and a serene Southwestern setting makes the New Mexico Tech campus a distinctive and conducive environment for learning and research.

Socorro is located 75 miles south of Albuquerque, at an average elevation of 4,605 feet. The town lies adjacent to the Rio Grande in a landscape dominated by the Rio Grande rift and numerous extinct volcanoes. The immediate region encompasses approximately 6,000 feet of vertical relief between the Rio Grande and the Magdalena Mountains. Notable nearby locales include the Cibola National Forest, the Bureau of Land Management Quebradas Scenic Backcountry Byway, and the Bosque del Apache and Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuges.