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

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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

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

4/12/2026Maxwell WLR2 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

4/12/2026Maxwell WLR1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

4/11/2026Maxwell Feedlot2 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/11/2026Maxwell Feedlot2 observed

Ring-necked Duck x Greater Scaup (hybrid)

Aythya collaris x marila

4/7/2026Stubblefield Lake2 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

4/7/2026Maxwell NWR1 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

4/7/2026Maxwell NWR1 observed

Sandhill Crane (Lesser)

Antigone canadensis

4/7/2026Maxwell NWR2 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/7/2026Maxwell NWR6 observed

Mallard x Mexican Duck (hybrid)

Anas platyrhynchos x diazi

4/7/2026Maxwell NWR1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

14/9/2026

Mallard

64/9/2026

Ring-necked Duck

84/9/2026

Wild Turkey

54/9/2026

Mourning Dove

94/9/2026

American Coot

4/9/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

54/9/2026

Franklin's Gull

124/9/2026

Ring-billed Gull

74/9/2026

American White Pelican

244/9/2026

Northern Harrier

24/9/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/9/2026

Burrowing Owl

84/9/2026

American Kestrel

14/9/2026

Common Raven

74/9/2026

European Starling

14/9/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

184/9/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

74/9/2026

Western Meadowlark

134/9/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

384/9/2026

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.