Bill, I had noted this trip report the first time I'd read it but recently read it again. I had been intending to search for the red-faced warbler for a couple of years and your trip report reminded me. I put together an itinerary using E-bird reports and spend a few wonderful days in your neighborhood last week. I focused my efforts on the Emory Pass area because of the most recent e-bird reports. Railroad Canyon and Iron Springs. Gallinas as well. The Gila NF campgrounds in the area are great. Very small numbers of sites (RR Canyon had only 3), sheltered from the highway even though it's lightly traveled. No fee is always welcome. Free-grazing we call it.
No RF-W in Railroad Canyon though I stayed two nights and hiked the canyon twice. I did have other success: Painted Redstart males, Olive Warblers and Grace's Warbler and Dusky Flycatcher and many other more common species. I had planned a final stop at a final site, on the way home. Water Canyon. I got there in the early am, decided not to drive the road to the observatory because I rapidly left the habitat I was inspecting. I parked at one of the dispersed sites you mentioned and began walking up the (dry) creekbed. At a point water surfaced in the sand I heard a small bird. In another moment a bright male RF-W bounced in front of me at eye level in a small Ponderosa pine. The bird was willing to give me a great look before taking off for business elsewhere. I did check out the nice little campground but didn't stay. I took off for another location. Wonderful time, great weather. Thanks for the reminder.
I have noted other in other posts great consternation over the crowding so many deal with. If you are looking for great places, no crowds, wonderful vistas and (slightly) developed campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities check out Bill's neighborhood. It has lots to offer. History, National Park sites, Southwest vegetation not seen other places, great vistas, fabulous weather, wildlife, small friendly towns and little crowding. It's great.
