Desert birding habitat

North Diversion Channel Outflow (East of Fourth Street Bridge only)

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

North Diversion Channel Outflow (East of Fourth Street Bridge only) is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Lewis's Woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis

7/15/2026Cibola NF--Balsam Glade1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

7/15/2026Cibola NF--Capulin Snowplay Site and The Log (Sandoval Co.)1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

7/15/2026Rio Grande Nature Center SP--Candelaria Wetlands1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

7/15/2026Carlito Springs Open Space1 observed

Mountain Chickadee (Rocky Mts.)

Poecile gambeli

7/14/2026Cibola NF--Capulin Spring (Bernalillo and Sandoval Co.)4 observed

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

7/14/2026Cibola NF--Capulin Snowplay Site and The Log (Sandoval Co.)20 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

7/13/202610K Trail, Albuquerque US-NM 35.20979, -106.435592 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

7/13/2026Bosque Trails West of Valle de Oro NWR -- NMSLO1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

127/15/2026

Wood Duck

47/15/2026

Mallard

47/15/2026

White-winged Dove

27/15/2026

Mourning Dove

67/15/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

67/15/2026

Killdeer

57/15/2026

Western Sandpiper

17/15/2026

Swainson's Hawk

17/15/2026

Black Phoebe

27/15/2026

Say's Phoebe

27/15/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

17/15/2026

Western Kingbird

17/15/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/15/2026

Barn Swallow

17/15/2026

Cliff Swallow

107/15/2026

Bushtit

47/15/2026

American Robin

17/15/2026

House Sparrow

27/15/2026

House Finch

87/15/2026

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 North Diversion Channel Outflow (East of Fourth Street Bridge only) for birding?
The best months to visit North Diversion Channel Outflow (East of Fourth Street Bridge only) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at North Diversion Channel Outflow (East of Fourth Street Bridge only)?
Notable species at North Diversion Channel Outflow (East of Fourth Street Bridge only) include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at North Diversion Channel Outflow (East of Fourth Street Bridge only)?
Birding at North Diversion Channel Outflow (East of Fourth Street Bridge only) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at North Diversion Channel Outflow (East of Fourth Street Bridge only)?
North Diversion Channel Outflow (East of Fourth Street Bridge only) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.