Randall Davey Audubon Center

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Trails: dawn to dusk daily; center: Mon-Sat 9 AM - 4 PM

About This Location

Randall Davey Audubon Center is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Red-naped Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, and Northern Flicker 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

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

3/5/2026River Trail between Blue Dot Trail and the County Line Bosque1 observed

Merlin (Prairie)

Falco columbarius

3/5/2026108 La Joya Rd, Santa Fe US-NM 35.67926, -105.978271 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

3/5/2026Casa Tecolote, Santa Fe US-NM 35.53153, -105.950951 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/3/2026Las Estrellas area, Santa Fe US-NM (35.7198,-105.9415)1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

3/3/2026Marty Sanchez Golf Course Pond1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/3/2026Eldorado at Santa Fe, NM1 observed

Red-naped Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus nuchalis

2/28/2026Randall Davey Audubon Center2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Pygmy-Owl

3/5/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

3/5/2026

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

3/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

3/5/2026

Mountain Chickadee

3/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

3/5/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

3/5/2026

American Robin

3/5/2026

House Finch

3/5/2026

Spotted Towhee

3/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

23/5/2026

Common Raven

33/5/2026

Juniper Titmouse

33/5/2026

Pygmy Nuthatch

13/5/2026

Western Bluebird

43/5/2026

Townsend's Solitaire

13/5/2026

Cassin's Finch

13/5/2026

Pine Siskin

33/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

203/5/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Randall Davey Audubon Center for birding?
The best months to visit Randall Davey Audubon Center for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Randall Davey Audubon Center?
Notable species at Randall Davey Audubon Center include Red-naped Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, White-winged Dove, Pygmy Nuthatch, Juniper Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Western Bluebird, Canyon Towhee, Bewick's Wren. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Randall Davey Audubon Center?
Birding at Randall Davey Audubon Center is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Randall Davey Audubon Center?
There is no entrance fee at Randall Davey Audubon Center. Hours: Trails: dawn to dusk daily; center: Mon-Sat 9 AM - 4 PM.
What amenities are available at Randall Davey Audubon Center?
Randall Davey Audubon Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.