Rio Grande at Buckman

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Rio Grande at Buckman is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mallard, Common Goldeneye, and Common Merganser 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

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

3/5/2026Sandia Wetlands (no public access, no photography)1 observed

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

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

3/5/202612 Karen Circle, White Rock1 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

Violet-green Swallow

Tachycineta thalassina

3/3/2026Old Road Trail2 observed

Ring-billed Gull

Larus delawarensis

3/1/2026Yard 333 Potrillo67 observed

Red-naped Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus nuchalis

2/28/2026Randall Davey Audubon Center2 observed

American Dipper

Cinclus mexicanus

2/28/2026Bandelier NM--Ponderosa Trail1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

2/27/2026County Rd. 84B pond (El Rancho)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

42/23/2026

Common Goldeneye

32/23/2026

Common Merganser

22/23/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

32/23/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/23/2026

Northern Flicker

212/23/2026

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

32/23/2026

Common Raven

22/23/2026

Juniper Titmouse

22/23/2026

Bushtit

62/23/2026

Bewick's Wren

12/23/2026

Sage Thrasher

102/23/2026

Western Bluebird

32/23/2026

Townsend's Solitaire

102/23/2026

Hermit Thrush

52/23/2026

American Robin

10002/23/2026

House Finch

72/23/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

12/23/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

202/23/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

52/23/2026

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 Rio Grande at Buckman for birding?
The best months to visit Rio Grande at Buckman for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Rio Grande at Buckman?
Notable species at Rio Grande at Buckman include Mallard, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rio Grande at Buckman?
Birding at Rio Grande at Buckman is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Rio Grande at Buckman?
Rio Grande at Buckman offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.