Wetland birding habitat

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Main 2-Way Road (East-West)

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Main 2-Way Road (East-West) is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 268 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Cinnamon Teal 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

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

4/18/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Seasonal Tour Road ONLY (closed Oct. 1 - Mar. 31)1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

4/18/2026Bosque del Apache NWR (please use for checklists covering the entire refuge)1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

4/17/2026Elmendorf Ditch - South Loop1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

4/17/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Seasonal Tour Road ONLY (closed Oct. 1 - Mar. 31)2 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/17/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--South Shortcut1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/17/2026Bosque del Apache NWR (please use for checklists covering the entire refuge)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/17/2026

Blue-winged Teal

54/17/2026

Cinnamon Teal

124/17/2026

Northern Shoveler

74/17/2026

Ring-necked Duck

24/17/2026

Mourning Dove

14/17/2026

Great Egret

14/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/17/2026

Black Phoebe

14/17/2026

Common Raven

14/17/2026

Northern Flicker

24/17/2026

Gadwall

804/15/2026

American Wigeon

404/15/2026

Mallard

154/15/2026

Redhead

14/15/2026

Lesser Scaup

14/15/2026

Bufflehead

24/15/2026

Ruddy Duck

1204/15/2026

Wild Turkey

14/15/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/15/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Main 2-Way Road (East-West) for birding?
The best months to visit Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Main 2-Way Road (East-West) 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 - Main 2-Way Road (East-West)?
Notable species at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Main 2-Way Road (East-West) include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Main 2-Way Road (East-West)?
Birding at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Main 2-Way Road (East-West) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Main 2-Way Road (East-West)?
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Main 2-Way Road (East-West) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.