Sandhill Cranes lifting off at dawn at Bosque del Apache

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandDesertGrassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

November-February

Entrance Fee

$5 per vehicle

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily; visitor center 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

About This Location

Bosque del Apache along the Rio Grande is famous for its wintering populations of Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese, whose dawn and dusk flyouts are among the most spectacular wildlife events in North America. The Festival of the Cranes each November draws birders from around the world.

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

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/28/2026Turtle Bay Park and New Mexico Tech campus1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

26/2/2026

Mallard

46/2/2026

Gambel's Quail

26/2/2026

White-winged Dove

156/2/2026

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Greater Roadrunner

36/2/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

86/2/2026

American Avocet

26/2/2026

Killdeer

106/2/2026

White-faced Ibis

16/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/2/2026

Swainson's Hawk

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

16/2/2026

Black Phoebe

26/2/2026

Say's Phoebe

26/2/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

46/2/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

16/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Arrive before dawn to witness the crane flyout

  2. 2

    The Festival of the Cranes in November offers guided tours and workshops

  3. 3

    Winter birding can be rewarding for waterfowl, raptors, and winter finches

  4. 4

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

  5. 5

    Bring waterproof boots and scan the marsh edges for rails, herons, and bitterns

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge for birding are November-February. The best seasons are Winter.
What birds can I see at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge include Sandhill Crane, Snow Goose, Bald Eagle, Gambel's Quail, Roadrunner, White-winged Dove, Lesser Goldfinch, White-crowned Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Cinnamon Teal. The area supports wetland, desert, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge?
The entrance fee at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is $5 per vehicle. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily; visitor center 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
What amenities are available at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge?
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Auto Tour Route, Trails.