Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

$5 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset

About This Location

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 393 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Cackling Goose, and Canada Goose 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

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

3/5/2026Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Magdalena US-NM 33.80782, -106.883132 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (Dark-lored)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/4/2026Bosque del Apache NWR--Main 2-Way Road (East-West)2 observed

White-throated Swift

Aeronautes saxatalis

2/25/2026New Mexico Tech--Fine Arts Fishing Pond1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

2/25/2026Turtle Bay Park and New Mexico Tech campus1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

2503/4/2026

Cackling Goose

23/4/2026

Canada Goose

23/4/2026

Cinnamon Teal

43/4/2026

Northern Shoveler

1003/4/2026

Gadwall

43/4/2026

Mallard

53/4/2026

Northern Pintail

53/4/2026

Green-winged Teal

63/4/2026

Bufflehead

23/4/2026

Ruddy Duck

13/4/2026

Wild Turkey

63/4/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

23/4/2026

White-winged Dove

33/4/2026

Greater Roadrunner

13/4/2026

American Coot

253/4/2026

Sandhill Crane

1003/4/2026

Killdeer

53/4/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

23/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.

  5. 5

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge include Snow Goose, Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Lesser Goldfinch, White-crowned Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge?
The entrance fee at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is $5 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
What amenities are available at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge?
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.