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

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

4/17/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Flight Deck ONLY1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

4/17/2026Elmendorf Ditch - South Loop1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

4/17/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Seasonal Tour Road ONLY (closed Oct. 1 - Mar. 31)2 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/17/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--South Shortcut1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/17/2026Bosque del Apache NWR (please use for checklists covering the entire refuge)1 observed

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher

Polioptila melanura

4/17/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Chupadera Trail ONLY1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

4/17/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Visitor Center ONLY (do not use for whole refuge)1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/16/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--North Loop ONLY (formerly Farm Loop)1 observed

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

4/16/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Visitor Center ONLY (do not use for whole refuge)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/16/2026Bosque del Apache NWR (please use for checklists covering the entire refuge)1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

4/16/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Wetland Roost ONLY1 observed

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

4/16/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Flight Deck ONLY1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

24/18/2026

Mourning Dove

24/18/2026

House Finch

14/18/2026

Gambel's Quail

144/17/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/17/2026

American Kestrel

14/17/2026

Western Kingbird

14/17/2026

Common Raven

14/17/2026

Western Meadowlark

14/17/2026

Mallard

24/17/2026

Rock Pigeon

14/17/2026

Greater Roadrunner

24/17/2026

White-faced Ibis

194/17/2026

Snowy Egret

14/17/2026

European Starling

24/17/2026

Brewer's Sparrow

354/17/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

14/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

84/12/2026

Wild Turkey

24/9/2026

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.