Wetland birding habitat

Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 292 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Red-tailed Hawk, Western Bluebird, and Mountain Bluebird among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

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

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

5/24/2026Laguna Madre1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

5/24/2026Maxwell NWR1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/24/2026Maxwell NWR1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

5/21/2026Laguna Madre1 observed

Great Egret

Ardea alba

5/21/2026Laguna Madre1 observed

Sagebrush Sparrow

Artemisiospiza nevadensis

5/21/2026Stubblefield Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Coot

405/29/2026

Killdeer

25/29/2026

Franklin's Gull

125/29/2026

Black Tern

25/29/2026

Clark's Grebe

25/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

45/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/29/2026

Western Flycatcher

25/29/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

45/29/2026

Western Kingbird

85/29/2026

Chihuahuan Raven

25/29/2026

Common Raven

15/29/2026

Western Meadowlark

35/29/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

155/29/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

15/29/2026

Wild Turkey

75/28/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

15/28/2026

American Robin

45/28/2026

Vesper Sparrow

55/28/2026

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 Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge include Red-tailed Hawk, Western Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, Western Meadowlark, Snow Goose. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge?
Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.