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

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

7/13/2026Bosque del Apache NWR (please use for checklists covering the entire refuge)2 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

7/13/2026Bosque del Apache NWR (please use for checklists covering the entire refuge)2 observed

Bronzed Cowbird

Molothrus aeneus

7/10/2026Bosque del Apache National wildlife refuge1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

7/9/2026Bosque 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

Great Horned Owl

27/18/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

117/17/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

27/17/2026

House Sparrow

17/17/2026

House Finch

37/17/2026

Bullock's Oriole

27/17/2026

Gambel's Quail

117/17/2026

White-winged Dove

67/17/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

17/17/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/17/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

17/17/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

47/17/2026

Calliope Hummingbird

17/14/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

27/14/2026

Verdin

17/14/2026

Bewick's Wren

27/14/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

17/14/2026

Phainopepla

17/14/2026

Western Kingbird

17/10/2026

Common Nighthawk

47/8/2026

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.