the jewel of angel fire Moreno Valley Wetlands

THE COMMUNITY OF ANGEL FIRE IS FORTUNATE TO HAVE WITHIN ITS borders a rare, high-alpine riparian wetland which is part of the much larger Moreno Valley wetland watershed system. This dynamic, constantly changing wetland, created along the waterflow of Cieneguilla Creek, is a fascinating and beautiful ecosystem which creates habitat for a great number of birds, amphibians, insects and mammals. Many will agree that this wetland is the jewel of Angel Fire Village.

Spring and summer are when the wetland is at its peak, serving as host to many keystone and mutualistic species (when two or more species in an ecosystem interact for each other’s benefit, they are called mutualists). Well over 50 species of birds, most of which are migratory waterfowl, have been identified and photographed in the Angel Fire wetland!

Some of the keystone species (the glue that holds a habitat together) include red willow, prairie dogs, cattails, hummingbirds, beavers (when they are around) and muskrats.

Are you a bird watcher? Then you’re in for a treat with the wide variety of woodpeckers, red-winged blackbirds, coots, geese, various species of nuthatch, finches, sparrows, grosbeaks, cormorants, owls, mergansers, warblers, raptors such as hawks and eagles, and a plethora of ducks and waterfowl such as mallards, pintails, teals, egrets, great blue herons, and even a rookery of black-crowned night herons. And you may even catch a glimpse of mule deer, elk, coyotes, and black bear!

Consider taking a leisurely stroll along the wetland trail while you are visiting Angel Fire. A kiosk just off North Angel Fire Road is available with maps and brochures to tell you more about this incredible and beautiful community resource. Bring your binoculars! — PageSTeed