New Mexico: The Soul Of Southwest Birding
Winter in New Mexico, The Soul of Southwest Birding
New Mexico is truly one of the best kept birding secrets in the Southwest. Logging an astonishing 546 species of birds, New Mexico ranks fourth in the U.S. for avian biodiversity. Many of the state’s best birding sites are located along the Rio Grande River–a verdant ribbon of riparian forests cutting through the middle of the state. Led by an expert guide, our tour embarks on an unforgettable journey along the Rio Grande River, from the dramatic Rocky Mountains outside Santa Fe to the state’s largest lake in the heart of the scenic Chihuahuan Desert. We will visit renowned birding hotspots such as the legendary Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and the Sandia Mountains, the winter home to all three species of rosy-finches. The diversity of birdlife and rich blend of cultural and natural wonders in New Mexico are sure to leave lasting memories from this Soul of the Southwest.
Highlight and Target Birds
- Iconic desert birds of the American Southwest, including Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Cactus Wren, Scaled & Gambel’s Quail, and Greater Roadrunner
- Migrating waterfowl and waterbirds, including Richardson’s Cackling Goose and Greater White-fronted Goose, Snow Goose, Ross’s Goose, Sandhill Cranes, and over 20 species of ducks
- High-elevation specialities such as Pygmy Nuthatch, Evening Grosbeak, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Red Crossbill, and American Three-toed Woodpecker
- Three species of rosy-finch: Brown-capped, Black, and Gray-crowned
- Grassland specialities, including Ferruginous Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Chestnut-collared and Thick-billed Longspurs, Mountain Bluebird, Chihuahuan Raven, and Chihuahuan Meadowlark
Key Locations
Sandia Mountains and Sandia Crest, Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Rio Grande River, Elephant Butte Lake, Estancia Valley
Experience Highlights
- We will witness the incredible waterbird congregations at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, allowing unparalleled birding and photography opportunities
- Our tour will explore the impressive diversity of habitats New Mexico has to offer–ranging from deserts and dry grasslands to the brushy forests of the Rio Grande corridor to high-elevation spruce-fir forest above 10,000 ft elevation
- We will have up-close encounters with rosy-finches as we observe the Rio Grande Bird Research team with their ongoing banding project
- In addition to the excellent birding, we will explore the amazing culture and cuisine of this state’s unique historic cities
More Details
Weather and climate
As we explore much of northern and central New Mexico, we can expect normal winter temperatures up to ~55°F/13°C during the day, dropping to as low as 20°F/-7°C at night. As we head to higher elevations, expect daytime high temperatures to stay below freezing.
Tour Details
Price: From $3,768 per person, double occupancy
Single supplement: $875
Included: In-country accommodations,
ground transportation, tours,
meals, soft drinks, guide and
entrance fees.
Not Included: Personal items such as alcoholic
beverages, gift shop, laundry, etc.
are not included.
From: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Minimum Participants: 6
Participant Limit: 8
Activity Level: Easy to Moderate
Deposit: $850 per person is required to hold your spot on this tour (with your registration form)
Tour Leader:
Departure 1: Kim Score
Departure 2: John Yerger
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