In the summertime, when all the trees and leaves are green And the redbird sings, I’ll be blue ’cause you don’t want my love ... “In The Summertime” by Roger Miller, 1964

Okay, so there aren’t any redbirds to sing their summer song in Red River. One was spotted, however, several years ago at Middle Folk Lake in the high country. Perhaps the lone cardinal got caught in a strong wind or he was just looking for a bit of relief from the heated lowlands. Working birds need vacations, too.

There are on a regular basis red-wing blackbirds, magnificent mountain bluebirds as well as bright blue Steller’s jays with black topknots, gray jays who are truly gray, and everyone’s summer favorite, the vibrantly colored hummingbirds flitting noisily from feeder to feeder in search of the perfect sugar water. Don’t forget to look for the swallows darting about on their endless bug hunting mission, buffalo birds looking for the lost herd, colorful wood ducks, mallards and Canadian geese hanging out in the river or at the various ponds throughout the valley, and occasionally a hawk or even an eagle. Watching them soar higher and higher in the mountain sky as they ride the thermals to dizzying heights is a great way to spend time. Listen closely at night and you may hear an owl or two communicating about the status of an evening meal by the river.

Above all, however, there are ravens: lots and lots of ravens. You know - Edgar Allen Poe’s conversational symbol of gloom and doom. In the Red River Valley, ravens are not usually as gloomy as Poe’s companion and they have a complex language far beyond the word “Nevermore.” They also have the ability to mimic other birds and perhaps even people. In fact, on occasion, they will engage in a dialogue with humans. Don’t mistake them for the crows you are familiar with back home, for ravens are much smarter and more devious. And they cheat at poker.

As for the trees and leaves, they do turn green, the color of the piney forest that surrounds Red River. Tall Ponderosa pines and blue spruce trees, cottonwoods by the river and quaking aspens that later put on the dramatic display of colors foretelling winter’s approach by singing their own song when the autumn wind sets them quivering.

Now, as for love.... Summertime in the Red River Valley is an idyllic time for lovers of life in the Sangre de Cristo mountains of northern New Mexico. In fact, modern generations have come to know the same wilderness hikes and deep, chilly fishing holes and cool air that have been drawing their kinfolk for decades. Also, don’t be surprised if you see a wedding carriage, complete with giant work horses, delivering a wedding party to their destination. People do like to get married in Red River. Lots of people, in fact. The valley is a great place to begin a life together. Ah, love.

There is an energy in the valley, a vibe, if you will, that visitors become aware of if they stay long enough. It’s the pulse of life at its basic level, in touch with the birds, the trees, the river. Welcome to Red River and feel the vibe.