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

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

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

Gambel's Quail

24/17/2026

White-winged Dove

124/17/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

34/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/17/2026

Say's Phoebe

14/17/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

14/17/2026

Common Raven

14/17/2026

Verdin

14/17/2026

House Sparrow

44/17/2026

House Finch

44/17/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

34/17/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

74/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

34/17/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/17/2026

Lucy's Warbler

14/17/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

24/17/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

14/17/2026

European Starling

14/17/2026

Cooper's Hawk

14/17/2026

Swainson's Hawk

14/17/2026

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.