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

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/31/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Boardwalk Lagoon ONLY1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/30/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--South Loop ONLY (formerly Marsh Loop)1 observed

Glossy x White-faced Ibis (hybrid)

Plegadis falcinellus x chihi

5/29/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Flight Deck ONLY1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/28/2026Bosque del Apache NWR (please use for checklists covering the entire refuge)1 observed

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

5/28/2026Bosque del Apache NWR (please use for checklists covering the entire refuge)1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/28/2026Turtle Bay Park and New Mexico Tech campus1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/26/2026Luis Lopez Yard (33.988, -106.885)1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

5/25/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--North Loop ONLY (formerly Farm Loop)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

76/1/2026

Northern Shoveler

26/1/2026

Green-winged Teal

36/1/2026

Gambel's Quail

126/1/2026

Wild Turkey

26/1/2026

White-winged Dove

86/1/2026

Mourning Dove

156/1/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

166/1/2026

American Avocet

46/1/2026

Killdeer

146/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

76/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

46/1/2026

Common Black Hawk

16/1/2026

American Kestrel

16/1/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

16/1/2026

Say's Phoebe

26/1/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

26/1/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

26/1/2026

Western Kingbird

16/1/2026

Bewick's Wren

16/1/2026

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.