Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center (do not use for whole refuge)

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center (do not use for whole refuge) is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 282 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, and Western Meadowlark 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

Gambel's Quail

13/6/2026

White-winged Dove

13/6/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/6/2026

Say's Phoebe

23/6/2026

Common Raven

13/6/2026

Phainopepla

13/6/2026

House Sparrow

23/6/2026

House Finch

33/6/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

113/6/2026

American Goldfinch

13/6/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

133/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

3/6/2026

Townsend's Solitaire

13/5/2026

Pine Siskin

13/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

13/5/2026

Spotted Towhee

13/5/2026

Pyrrhuloxia

13/5/2026

Canada Goose

23/4/2026

Northern Shoveler

753/4/2026

American Coot

43/4/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center (do not use for whole refuge) for birding?
The best months to visit Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center (do not use for whole 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 - Visitor Center (do not use for whole refuge)?
Notable species at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center (do not use for whole refuge) include Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Western Meadowlark, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center (do not use for whole refuge)?
Birding at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center (do not use for whole refuge) is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center (do not use for whole refuge)?
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center (do not use for whole refuge) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.