Albuquerque is a haven for bird watchers, offering a variety of exceptional locations to observe a diverse range of bird species throughout the year. Here are several must-visit places for avid birders.

Rio Grande Nature Center

The Rio Grande Nature Center is located in Albuquerque’s north valley. This area is a prime spot for observing various bird species, particularly those that inhabit wetlands. Visitors might see red-winged blackbirds, woodpeckers, cranes, herons, ducks, and geese. For families, the center features a viewing area that makes bird watching accessible for kids. Additionally, the center hosts free guided bird walks on weekends, making it an engaging option for enthusiasts.

Elena Gallegos Open Space

Elena Gallegos Open Space offers picnic areas and scenic hiking trails through the Sandia foothills. This park is an excellent destination for year-round bird watching and recreation, with opportunities to spot various birds in the serene setting.

Open Space Visitor Center

The Open Space Visitor Center is a prime locale for observing migrating sandhill cranes in the fall. Annually, it hosts the Return of the Cranes celebration, featuring bird viewing activities for all ages, and providing a breathtaking backdrop of the Sandia Mountains. Notably, guided bird walks are available on weekends, adding to the overall experience.

Valle de Oro Wildlife Refuge

As the first urban national wildlife refuge in the southwest, Valle de Oro features a landscape that both migratory and native birds call home. Open houses provide excellent opportunities for bird watching, allowing visitors to connect with nature conveniently. The refuge is located in Albuquerque’s south valley, making it accessible for those in the region.

Randall Davey Audubon Refuge

The Randall Davey Audubon Center offers the chance to bird watch across 135 acres in the national forest and along the Santa Fe River. Approximately 190 bird species can be observed during the open hours, and guided bird walks are available every Saturday at 8 a.m., providing an opportunity for deeper engagement with birding.

Santa Fe Botanical Garden

Within the Santa Fe Botanical Garden, two distinct habitats host different bird species. The pinon/juniper scrubland at Museum Hill and the pond within the Leonora Curtain Wetland Preserve both boast unique avian residents. Birders can expect to see robins, red-winged blackbirds, and white-faced ibises in this diverse botanical setting.

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge near Socorro, New Mexico, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and significant bird migrations in the fall. This refuge provides a sanctuary for various wildlife species throughout the year. Spanning over 57,000 acres, the area includes habitats for both land and water birds, attracting bird watchers from far and wide.