Wetland birding habitat

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center (do not use for whole refuge)

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center (do not use for whole refuge) is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 282 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, and Western Meadowlark 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

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

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/23/2026Bosque del Apache NWR (please use for checklists covering the entire refuge)1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

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

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

5/20/2026Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Elmendorf Ditch US-NM 33.76750, -106.900071 observed

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher

Polioptila melanura

5/20/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--South Loop ONLY (formerly Marsh Loop)1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

5/19/2026Bosque del Apache NWR (please use for checklists covering the entire refuge)1 observed

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

5/19/2026Bosque 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

Gambel's Quail

65/25/2026

Greater Roadrunner

15/25/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

105/25/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

15/25/2026

Phainopepla

45/25/2026

House Finch

25/25/2026

Bullock's Oriole

25/25/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

15/25/2026

Summer Tanager

15/25/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

35/25/2026

White-winged Dove

65/25/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

15/25/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

25/25/2026

Verdin

65/25/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

25/25/2026

Crissal Thrasher

15/25/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/25/2026

House Sparrow

35/25/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

85/25/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

25/25/2026

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 - Visitor Center (do not use for whole refuge) for birding?
The best months to visit Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center (do not use for whole refuge) 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 - Visitor Center (do not use for whole refuge)?
Notable species at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center (do not use for whole refuge) include Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Western Meadowlark, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center (do not use for whole refuge)?
Birding at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center (do not use for whole refuge) is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center (do not use for whole refuge)?
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center (do not use for whole refuge) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.