If you’re looking for a place to take in all the natural beauty that New Mexico offers, look no further than Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. With its sweeping vistas of cottonwood, and willow trees, meandering riverbanks, and expansive wetlands, Bosque is a haven for bird-watchers and nature enthusiasts.
The best time of day to visit Bosque is during the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is at its most beautiful and the wildlife is most active. There are several hiking trails that wind through the refuge, providing opportunities for bird-watching and wildlife spotting. Be sure to bring your camera—you will capture some amazing photos!
New Mexico Wildlife at Bosque del Apache
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is a 57,000 acre wildlife refuge in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico. The refuge was established in 1939 as a resting and feeding ground for migratory birds, and today it is home to over 300 different species of wildlife.
At Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, you can expect to see deer, coyotes, rabbits, and birds. The most popular birds year-round include birds of prey (American Kestrel and the Ted-tailed Hawk), ducks (Northern Pintail and American Coot), and shorebirds (Great Blue Heron and Neotropic Cormorant).
Why Bosque Del Apache Wildlife Refuge Is Worth A Visit
There are many reasons you should visit Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge! It’s a great place for nature lovers of all ages and backgrounds to explore and enjoy and here’s something to see and appreciate no matter what time of year you visit. The refuge is also a world famous destination for birders and bird photography because tens of thousands of migratory birds visit the refuge in hoards each year. With its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is definitely a must-see destination for anyone interested in wildlife or getting outdoors into the fresh air!
Lodging In Socorro, NM
The towns near the refuge are tiny and aren’t fancy, but there are several options available. The closest town is Socorro, which offers a variety of hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts. Many hotels in Socorro are accustomed bird watchers who leave in the very early morning hours and actually open their complementary breakfast at 5 or 5:30 am. There are also a few campgrounds near the refuge. I stayed in the Econo Lodge and was impressed for the price; the rooms were spacious and included a dining table, a desk, a reclining chair, and a microwave and refrigerator.
Year Round Guide To Bosque del Apache
Bosque del Apache is most famous for the Sandhill Cranes which arrive during winter, but it is a birder’s paradise year-round. Each year and each season brings a unique experience.
Winter
This time of year, thousands of Snow Geese, Ross’s Geese and Sandhill Cranes gather in water, which protects them from predators as they rest through the night. Near dawn, the geese will usually take off all at once in search of food in nearby fields. The Sandhill Cranes will take off in groups of 3-5 through the morning. You may also spot bald eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey on the hiking trail or the auto loop. Aside from birds, you may see deer, javelina, coyotes, or rabbits.
Spring
Springtime is a great season to visit the refuge, as migrating Sandhill Cranes (and the crowds) are gone, making room for a variety of other shorebirds such as sandpipers, stilts, plovers, and dunlins. The auto tour loop offers scenic views of vibrant wildflowers and opportunities for wildlife viewing; if you’re lucky, you may find a road runner in search of lizards and snakes. Spring is also the time of year to see Flycatchers, vireos, and warblers who stop to rest in Bosque Del Apache during migration season.
Summer
Summer is the ideal season for hummingbirds. This is also the time of year when you may see the young birds and wildlife born in the spring moving about. The best times to spot wildlife in the summer are early mornings and evenings, because most wildlife hide in the shade to keep cool during the hot summer months.
Fall
The colorful contrast of late season sunflowers with red-winged blackbirds swooping through the grasses makes for a scenic view. The first cranes and geese appear toward the end of October and you can often find coyotes, javelina and mule deer feeding off tallgrass. Northern shovelers and pintail ducks are popular finds at the Dabbler Deck and Flight Deck.
Things to do while you’re there
There are 12 hiking trails in ranging from half a mile to 12 miles that provide opportunities for bird-watching and wildlife spotting. But the best places to see the wildlife in the refuge is off the auto loop trail. It is a 12-mile drive on a dirt road that offers viewing decks and scenic pit stops to get out and admire the wildlife and landscape.
Its difficult to tell you exactly where to go because each day is different, but two of the most popular spots are the Flight Deck and The Wetlands Roost.
What to wear to Bosque Del apache in Winter
The average low during the winter is in the 20s and when you’re standing around, you aren’t keeping your body warm like you would on a hike. It’s important to bundle up in layers because the temperatures can get up to the 60s by mid afternoon. Here is what worked for me when I visited in December:
A beanie | gator neck | 3 layers of merino wool shirts | 3-way coat | Gloves | hiking pants | Marino wool long underwear | 2 layers of warm socks | Waterproof hiking boots | Hot Hands and Hot Feet
Keep in mind I’m a Texas girl, so if this seem excessive to you, it probably is. But, if you are from a warm climate and don’t know what to wear, you’ll thank me!
Understanding Bird Behavior For Great Bird Photography
The key to getting great photographs of birds is understanding a few common behaviors that will help you know what to expect and prepare for bird activity. Here are a few common behaviors you might see at Bosque del Apache:
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Birds take off around sunrise and land around sunset; they take off and land in the wind's direction, so make sure you position yourself with wind in your face.
02.
Raptors usually poop just before taking off.
03.
Sandhill cranes lean forward and lower their heads before taking off. A small group of 3-5 cranes will take off together; the bird in the front, with its head in the lowest position, usually takes off first.
04.
Sandhill cranes lean forward and lower their heads before taking off. A small group of 3-5 cranes will take off together; the bird in the front, with its head in the lowest position, usually takes off first.
05.
Ducks and geese will shake and spread their wings while grooming.
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If you are looking for a place to have fun, get out of the city and into nature, then Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is perfect. It’s an oasis in the desert that offers many opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and just relaxing. We hope this article has helped inform you about all things bosque! Have Fun!
