Spring Nesting Birds at the
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

Abundant
(common and numerous)

Mallard Nests in all Refuge ponds - Ducklings in mid-May
Killdeer Nests in gravel along Tour Loops
Blue Grosbeak Look on the Marsh Loop in willow trees
Red-winged Blackbirds Look in cattails near the Boardwalk, in cattails
Meadowlark Nests in fields on the Farm Loop
Barn Swallow Nests near the fee booth and kiosk

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Common
(Certain to see in suitable habitat)

Great Blue Heron Nests in trees along the Marsh Loop. Easily seen
Neotropical Cormorant Nests in Rookeries. Place varies from year to year (Ask at the Visitor Center)
Great Egret In rookeries. Site varies. (Ask at Visitor Center)
Canada Goose Nests in all ponds. Look on the Marsh Loop
Turkey Vulture Nests in rocks. Hard to find
Northern Harrier Nests on the Marsh Loop
Red-tailed Hawk Nests on Canyon Trail, under power lines
American Kestrel Nests in cavities in dead trees
Gambel's Quail Nests on the ground near the Visitor Center. Chicks in June
Coot Marsh Loop, near the Boardwalk. Chicks in late May
Cliff Swallow Builds mud nests on the sides of buildings near the Visitor Center and under the bridge near the fee booth.
Common Yellowthroat Nests in cattails on the Marsh Loop
Yellow-breasted Chat Nests along the east-west two-way road near the Eagle Scout Deck,
and also along Rio Viejo Trail
Avocet Nests in vegetation in ponds which have been recently drained
Black-necked Stilt Nests in vegetation in ponds which have been recently drained
Roadrunner Nests in dense brush, 3 to 4 feet above ground
Morning Dove All along the Tour Loops
Ladder-backed Woodpecker Nests in cavities of dead trees, near Coyote and Willow Decks
Northern Flicker Nests in cavities of dead trees on the Farm Loop
Say's Phoebe Nests near the Visitor Center
Ash-throated Flycatcher Cavity nester in chupadera scrub, in desert areas.
Western Kingbird Nests in trees near the Visitor Center
Black Phoebe Nests under the Marsh Deck
Raven Nests under the train crossing south of the Visitor Center

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Interesting
(Uncommon, unusual)

Snowy Egret Nests in rookeries. Site varies. Check at the Visitor Center
Cattle Egret Rookeries. Ask at the Visitor Center
Black-crowned Night Heron Rookeries. Site varies. Ask at the Visitor Center
American Bittern Near the water, in cattails, Marsh Loop