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 Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

4/17/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Flight Deck ONLY1 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

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher

Polioptila melanura

4/17/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Chupadera Trail ONLY1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

4/17/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Visitor Center ONLY (do not use for whole refuge)1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/16/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--North Loop ONLY (formerly Farm Loop)1 observed

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/16/2026Bosque del Apache NWR (please use for checklists covering the entire refuge)1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

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

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

4/16/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Flight Deck ONLY1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

94/17/2026

Blue-winged Teal

4/17/2026

Cinnamon Teal

4/17/2026

Northern Shoveler

4/17/2026

Gadwall

4/17/2026

Mallard

4/17/2026

Green-winged Teal

4/17/2026

Ring-necked Duck

24/17/2026

Common Gallinule

24/17/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

24/17/2026

Snowy Egret

14/17/2026

Great Egret

54/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/17/2026

Northern Harrier

14/17/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

14/17/2026

Bell's Vireo

14/17/2026

Bewick's Wren

14/17/2026

American Coot

14/17/2026

White-faced Ibis

44/17/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

24/17/2026

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

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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.