Desert birding habitat

National Monument-1 - San Antonio to Bosque del Apache Boundary

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

National Monument-1 - San Antonio to Bosque del Apache Boundary is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Mallard, and Green-winged Teal 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

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

Cinnamon Teal

76/1/2026

Northern Shoveler

26/1/2026

Green-winged Teal

36/1/2026

Gambel's Quail

126/1/2026

Wild Turkey

26/1/2026

White-winged Dove

86/1/2026

Mourning Dove

156/1/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

166/1/2026

American Avocet

46/1/2026

Killdeer

146/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

76/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

46/1/2026

Common Black Hawk

16/1/2026

American Kestrel

16/1/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

16/1/2026

Say's Phoebe

26/1/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

26/1/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

26/1/2026

Western Kingbird

16/1/2026

Bewick's Wren

16/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit National Monument-1 - San Antonio to Bosque del Apache Boundary for birding?
The best months to visit National Monument-1 - San Antonio to Bosque del Apache Boundary for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at National Monument-1 - San Antonio to Bosque del Apache Boundary?
Notable species at National Monument-1 - San Antonio to Bosque del Apache Boundary include Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Greater Roadrunner, Killdeer. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at National Monument-1 - San Antonio to Bosque del Apache Boundary?
Birding at National Monument-1 - San Antonio to Bosque del Apache Boundary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at National Monument-1 - San Antonio to Bosque del Apache Boundary?
National Monument-1 - San Antonio to Bosque del Apache Boundary offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.