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

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

4/16/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Visitor Center ONLY (do not use for whole refuge)1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

4/16/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Wetland Roost ONLY1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/15/2026Bosquecito Ranch House1 observed

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher

Polioptila melanura

4/15/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Chupadera Trail ONLY1 observed

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

4/14/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Flight Deck ONLY4 observed

Common Grackle (Bronzed)

Quiscalus quiscula

4/14/2026Desert Arboretum/Friends, New Mexico 1, San Antonio, New Mexico, US (33.806, -106.892)1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/13/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Wetland Roost ONLY1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

4/12/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Visitor Center ONLY (do not use for whole refuge)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

64/14/2026

Canada Goose

1104/14/2026

Blue-winged Teal

304/14/2026

Cinnamon Teal

404/14/2026

Northern Shoveler

1504/14/2026

Gadwall

704/14/2026

American Wigeon

554/14/2026

Mallard

304/14/2026

Green-winged Teal

254/14/2026

Bufflehead

44/14/2026

Ruddy Duck

1404/14/2026

Wild Turkey

74/14/2026

Mourning Dove

94/14/2026

Greater Roadrunner

14/14/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

24/14/2026

Virginia Rail

14/14/2026

Common Gallinule

24/14/2026

American Coot

2204/14/2026

Black-necked Stilt

24/14/2026

Killdeer

14/14/2026

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.