Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandDesertGrassland
Best Seasons
Winter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

November-February

Entrance Fee

$5 per vehicle

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily; visitor center 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

About This Location

Bosque del Apache along the Rio Grande is famous for its wintering populations of Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese, whose dawn and dusk flyouts are among the most spectacular wildlife events in North America. The Festival of the Cranes each November draws birders from around the world.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

3/4/2026Lordsburg Sewage Ponds1 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/4/2026Heritage Hills Park1 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/4/2026Heritage Hills Park1 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/4/2026Heritage Hills Park1 observed

Crissal Thrasher

Toxostoma crissale

3/4/2026Paseo del Sol, Santa Rosa US-NM 34.72541, -104.651012 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

3/4/2026Red Rock WMA1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

3/4/2026Red Rock WMA1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

3/4/2026Rio Grande Nature Center SP1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

3/4/2026Santa Rosa Power Dam Park1 observed

Cassin's Finch

Haemorhous cassinii

3/4/2026Rusty's RV Ranch (Please do not list exotic waterfowl)1 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/4/2026Heritage Hills Park1 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/4/2026Heritage Hills Park1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/4/2026Gila River--Virden Bridge NM-921 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (Dark-lored)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

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

Black-chinned Sparrow

Spizella atrogularis

3/4/2026Embudo Canyon1 observed

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

3/4/202612 Karen Circle, White Rock1 observed

Cassin's Sparrow

Peucaea cassinii

3/4/2026CR 38B/Anaya Ranch Rd.3 observed

Black-throated Sparrow

Amphispiza bilineata

3/4/2026CR 38B/Anaya Ranch Rd.1 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

3/4/2026Southwest Sufi Community--Voice of the Turtle Retreat Center (reservations required)1 observed

Lesser Nighthawk

Chordeiles acutipennis

3/3/2026WSMR - PHETS2 observed

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Arrive before dawn to witness the crane flyout

  2. 2

    The Festival of the Cranes in November offers guided tours and workshops

Amenities

Parking
Restrooms
Visitor Center
Auto Tour Route
Trails

Nearby Attractions

  • Very Large Array
  • Socorro

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 November-February. The best seasons are Winter.
What birds can I see at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge include Sandhill Crane, Snow Goose, Bald Eagle, Gambel's Quail, Roadrunner. The area supports wetland, desert, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
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: Dawn to dusk daily; visitor center 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
What amenities are available at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge?
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Auto Tour Route, Trails.