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

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

Lesser Nighthawk

17/19/2026

Common Nighthawk

17/19/2026

Common Poorwill

17/19/2026

Great Horned Owl

17/19/2026

Black-throated Sparrow

17/19/2026

Blue Grosbeak

17/19/2026

Wild Turkey

27/19/2026

White-winged Dove

37/19/2026

Mourning Dove

57/19/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

37/19/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

27/19/2026

Killdeer

17/19/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/19/2026

White-faced Ibis

307/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/19/2026

Swainson's Hawk

27/19/2026

Northern Flicker

17/19/2026

Black Phoebe

17/19/2026

Western Kingbird

37/19/2026

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.