Wetland birding habitat

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - South Loop

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - South Loop is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 306 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Ross's 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

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

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

5/23/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Boardwalk Lagoon ONLY1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

35/30/2026

Cinnamon Teal

35/30/2026

Northern Shoveler

15/30/2026

Mallard

45/30/2026

Mexican Duck

25/30/2026

Wild Turkey

15/30/2026

Mourning Dove

25/30/2026

American Coot

25/30/2026

American Avocet

15/30/2026

Killdeer

25/30/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

105/30/2026

White-faced Ibis

25/30/2026

Green Heron

15/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/30/2026

Black Phoebe

35/30/2026

Western Kingbird

15/30/2026

Bell's Vireo

25/30/2026

Bank Swallow

25/30/2026

Bewick's Wren

15/30/2026

House Finch

45/30/2026

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 - South Loop for birding?
The best months to visit Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - South Loop 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 - South Loop?
Notable species at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - South Loop include Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - South Loop?
Birding at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - South Loop 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 - South Loop?
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - South Loop offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.