brown and white eagle on brown tree branch during daytime

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

$5 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset

About This Location

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 393 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Cackling Goose, and Canada Goose among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

7/13/2026Bosque del Apache NWR (please use for checklists covering the entire refuge)2 observed

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

7/13/2026Bosque del Apache NWR (please use for checklists covering the entire refuge)2 observed

Lark Bunting

Calamospiza melanocorys

7/11/2026Bosquecito Ranch House1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

7/10/2026Bosquecito Ranch House2 observed

Bronzed Cowbird

Molothrus aeneus

7/10/2026Bosque del Apache National wildlife refuge1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

7/9/2026Bosque del Apache NWR (please use for checklists covering the entire refuge)1 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

7/3/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Northern Management Units (Restricted Access)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

127/13/2026

Mallard

27/13/2026

Gambel's Quail

57/13/2026

Wild Turkey

107/13/2026

White-winged Dove

207/13/2026

Mourning Dove

207/13/2026

Greater Roadrunner

17/13/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

157/13/2026

Virginia Rail

47/13/2026

Sora

17/13/2026

Common Gallinule

17/13/2026

American Avocet

47/13/2026

Killdeer

127/13/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

27/13/2026

White-faced Ibis

37/13/2026

Snowy Egret

67/13/2026

Great Egret

17/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/13/2026

Cooper's Hawk

27/13/2026

Swainson's Hawk

37/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

  4. 4

    Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.

  5. 5

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge include Snow Goose, Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Lesser Goldfinch, White-crowned Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge?
The entrance fee at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is $5 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
What amenities are available at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge?
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.