Why Birding in New Mexico?
Few places can match the different habitats you’ll find here. As such, it’s possible to see dozens of species in a single trip. Birding here is not only about the birds, but also about where you are when you find them: visiting pueblos, hiking desert trails, or watching the sun rise over a river valley. The landscapes and the culture add as much to the experience as the birds themselves!
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (Socorro)
Few birding experiences compare to Bosque del Apache in winter. Here, the calls of tens of thousands of Snow Geese and Sandhill Cranes can be heard echoing across the valley during their annual migration at the Festival of Cranes.
Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Roswell)
East of Roswell, Bitter Lake is busiest in autumn when ducks, geese, and rare migrants crowd the wetlands. It’s one of the best places in southeastern New Mexico to see seasonal bird life up close.
Gila National Forest and Gila River Habitat
In the southwest, with over 500,000 acres of wilderness area, the Gila is one of the best places in the state for variety. Elegant Trogons, a species most people expect to see only in Mexico, nest here in summer. And hummingbirds are everywhere!
Albuquerque and Surrounding Areas
Birding in Albuquerque offers more variety than you might expect from an urban area. At the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, waterfowl gather on ponds just minutes from downtown. South of town, Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge hosts birding and wildlife events year-round. Climb higher into the Sandias, and you’ll find Sandia Crest, one of the few places in North America where all three species of Rosy-finches come together in winter.
Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge
Covering desert, grassland, and river habitats, Sevilleta is one of the largest refuges in New Mexico. Its size and variety mean you might see raptors hunting over open country and, on the same day, catch flocks of migrating songbirds moving through the Rio Grande flyway.
Cimarron Canyon State Park
Situated at the center of the Colin Neblett Wildlife Management Area, Cimarron Canyon provides a pristine setting for birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. A multitude of species inhabit this heavily wooded state park, and the various trails with winding waterways allow for exploration throughout the area.
When to Visit & Key Events
- Winter (November–February): Bosque del Apache’s Festival of the Cranes in December fills the valley with tens of thousands of Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese. Celebrate this spectacular migration with more than a hundred workshops, tours, hikes, and photography sessions.
- Spring (April–May): Migration brings warblers, tanagers, and shorebirds across the state. This is a great time to explore different habitats in one weekend.
- Summer (June–August): Head for the mountains for nesting season, where hummingbirds buzz through wildflowers and flycatchers hunt in open meadows.
- Autumn (September–October): Raptors ride thermals overhead while wetlands welcome back flocks of waterfowl. Warblers, vireos, and sparrows also pass through on their southward migrations, often filling cottonwoods along the Rio Grande.
- Year-Round: For an urban birding experience that’s available all year, the Randall Davey Audubon Center in Santa Fe hosts free Saturday bird walks. Sign up and meet fellow birders!
Birding Tips
- Bring the basics: Binoculars, a field guide, and plenty of water.
- Check access: Some refuges and parks require day-use passes. Also, some roads in high-altitude trails close during winter, so check ahead.
- Join a local group: The Santa Fe Audubon Society and the Bird Alliance of Central New Mexico regularly host walks and events. And the best part? No experience is required!
Why It’s Worth the Trip
From the foothills of Albuquerque to the forests of the Gila, each bird you check off your list will surely connect you to the rhythm of the region. Ready to start your own birding adventure? Plan your trip today and chart a path through New Mexico’s landscapes, guided by the birds you’ll meet along the way!
MORE INFORMATION AND WEBSITES
Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive and every part of New Mexico has incredible birding hot spots. There are four Audubon chapters and many bird clubs around the state that offer field trips throughout the year. The website at nm.audubon.org, linked to the right, has resources and links to birding groups in Farmington, Ruidoso, Roswell, Carlsbad, Las Cruces, Silver City, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and El Paso, Texas.
Fall migration is an incredible time of year to get your family connected to birds, nature and to conservation. Get out and start watching. Let yourself be inspired by the magic of birds. You’ll have a great time and maybe discover a special birding spot of your own.
