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

Loading map...

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

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/21/2026

Western Kingbird

57/21/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/21/2026

House Finch

27/21/2026

Lark Bunting

17/21/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

47/21/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/21/2026

Blue Grosbeak

17/21/2026

Mexican Duck

117/20/2026

Mourning Dove

77/20/2026

Common Gallinule

27/20/2026

American Coot

37/20/2026

Black-necked Stilt

27/20/2026

American Avocet

17/20/2026

Killdeer

37/20/2026

Baird's Sandpiper

47/20/2026

Least Sandpiper

137/20/2026

White-faced Ibis

17/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

47/20/2026

Gambel's Quail

87/20/2026

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.