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

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

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

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

4/18/2026Bosque del Apache NWR1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

64/18/2026

Blue-winged Teal

104/18/2026

Green-winged Teal

4/18/2026

Wild Turkey

64/18/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

14/18/2026

Say's Phoebe

14/18/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

14/18/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

34/18/2026

Canada Goose

104/18/2026

Cinnamon Teal

104/18/2026

Northern Shoveler

1944/18/2026

American Wigeon

54/18/2026

Mallard

24/18/2026

Lesser Scaup

14/18/2026

White-winged Dove

14/18/2026

Mourning Dove

14/18/2026

Killdeer

14/18/2026

Great Egret

24/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/18/2026

Bell's Vireo

14/18/2026

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.