Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Seasonal Tour Road (closed Oct. 1 - Mar. 31)

New Mexico · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Seasonal Tour Road (closed Oct. 1 - Mar. 31) is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 279 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Great Blue Heron Red-winged Blackbird Mallard Green Heron Virginia Rail

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Glossy x White-faced Ibis (hybrid)

Plegadis falcinellus x chihi

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

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/29/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Boardwalk Lagoon ONLY4 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

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

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

5/26/2026Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro US-NM 33.80910, -106.872391 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

Mexican Duck

35/25/2026

Wild Turkey

35/25/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

15/25/2026

Mourning Dove

25/25/2026

Greater Roadrunner

25/25/2026

Killdeer

45/25/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/25/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/25/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

25/25/2026

American Kestrel

15/25/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

25/25/2026

Say's Phoebe

15/25/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

15/25/2026

Western Kingbird

25/25/2026

Verdin

15/25/2026

Bewick's Wren

15/25/2026

House Finch

25/25/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

15/25/2026

Spotted Towhee

15/25/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

45/25/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Auto Tour Route

More in New Mexico

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New Mexico Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in New Mexico →

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Seasonal Tour Road (closed Oct. 1 - Mar. 31) for birding?▼

The best months to visit Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Seasonal Tour Road (closed Oct. 1 - Mar. 31) 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 - Seasonal Tour Road (closed Oct. 1 - Mar. 31)?▼

Notable species at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Seasonal Tour Road (closed Oct. 1 - Mar. 31) include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Seasonal Tour Road (closed Oct. 1 - Mar. 31)?▼

Birding at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Seasonal Tour Road (closed Oct. 1 - Mar. 31) 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 - Seasonal Tour Road (closed Oct. 1 - Mar. 31)?▼

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Seasonal Tour Road (closed Oct. 1 - Mar. 31) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.