In April-September you may see birding opportunities including Montezuma Quail (uncommon), Red-tailed and Cooper’s Hawks, Band-tailed Pigeon, Great-horned and Long-eared Owls (rare), Western and Cassin’s Kingbirds, Western Bluebird, and Black-headed and Blue Grosbeaks. Eastern Meadowlarks nest here, and Mountain Bluebirds winter.

Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark is a former military installation that played a significant role in the history of the Southwest. Established in 1866, it was one of the posts where the African-American "Buffalo Soldiers" served to protect settlers from Native American attacks. It was also the site of the army's first tuberculosis sanitarium and later a VA hospital. The site was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2004.

Located in the Pinos Altos Mountains, Fort Bayard has two national recreation hiking trails as well as roadways around the fort on which to look for birds.

Drive 6.5 miles east of Silver City on US-180. Turn left at the Fort Bayard intersection and continue 0.5 miles to the main gate of the facility. As you enter the grounds, look for brown
Forest Road 536 signs are posted on the fort’s old buildings. Continue on the gravel road for 3 miles. After crossing a cattle guard, pass the Forest Service Administrative Area and Recreation site on your right and turn left at National Recreation Trails Road. Proceed 0.25 miles to the parking lot.