Difficulty
A JOURNEY THROUGH THE LAND OF ENCHANTMENT’S WINTER BIRDING HAVENS
Winter New Mexico
Experience one of North America’s greatest winter spectacles—the brilliant flocks of geese, ducks, and cranes that fill the skies over New Mexico’s Rio Grande Valley. This relaxed six-day tour explores the legendary Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and nearby wetlands, grasslands, and desert foothills, where raptors, sparrows, and southwestern specialties abound. From shimmering reservoirs to snow-dusted mountains, we’ll encounter an impressive diversity of birds—up to 150 species—amid striking landscapes and crisp desert light. With comfortable accommodations, easy walks, and fine Southwestern cuisine, this is winter birding at its best.
Starting At
Coming Soon
7 Days
7 Days
12 Guests
Pace
Tour Overview
Each winter, the Rio Grande Valley transforms into a haven for migratory birds, hosting tens of thousands of waterfowl and cranes against a backdrop of desert, grassland, and cottonwood bosque. On this six-day journey, we’ll travel from the sun-soaked borderlands of El Paso to the mountain forests above Albuquerque, exploring New Mexico’s most celebrated birding landscapes.
Our adventure begins in El Paso, where the evening sky darkens with swirling flocks of Yellow-headed Blackbirds, sometimes numbering in the thousands. Moving north through the Rio Grande Valley, we’ll explore lakes, agricultural fields, and riparian corridors alive with geese, ducks, cranes, and raptors. The combination of Ferruginous Hawk, Prairie Falcon, and Golden Eagle makes each day a raptor lover’s dream.
In the Organ Mountains, we’ll hike among juniper and oak woodlands in search of Red-naped Sapsucker, Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay, Juniper Titmouse, and Black-throated Sparrow. The desert basin grasslands of the Jornada del Muerto offer another spectacle—large flocks of sparrows and larks sweeping across the golden landscape.
Farther north, the wetlands of Percha Dam State Park and Caballo Reservoir provide some of the best winter waterfowl viewing in the Southwest, often yielding Ross’s Goose, Clark’s and Western Grebes, and Bald Eagles. The highlight of the trip comes at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, where as many as 30,000 Snow Geese and 10,000 Sandhill Cranes lift into the dawn light in a cacophony of wings and sound—an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Finally, we’ll ascend Sandia Crest above Albuquerque, where, in good winters, all three species of rosy-finches may appear among the pines—a fitting finale to this exceptional winter tour.
Ecosystems Experienced
High-desert grasslands, riparian bosque, reservoirs, and foothill woodlands along the Rio Grande Valley corridor.
Expected Climate
Temperature
Daytime highs typically 40–65°F (4–18°C); cold mornings and evenings often below freezing; mostly clear and dry.
Rainfall
Minimal precipitation during the winter season; average monthly totals less than 0.5 inches (13 mm), though light snow or brief showers are possible at higher elevations.
Seasons
Midwinter in New Mexico—cool, crisp air, bright sunlight, and superb visibility across snow-dusted desert ranges.
Key Species
Sandhill Crane
Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch
Red-naped Sapsucker
Ross's Goose
Clark's Grebe
Golden Eagle
Leaders
Barry Zimmer
Primary Leader
Veteran birder, author, and photographer with global experience, deep expertise in North and Central American birds, and a lifelong passion for documenting the natural world.
Read MoreKevin Burke
Virginia-born birder and ecotourism guide with 20 years of experience leading tours across the Americas, inspiring connection with nature through exploration and discovery.
Read MoreItinerary
Day 1
Arrive in El Paso and transfer to the nearby hotel, Night at Comfort Suites El Paso Airport.
Embark upon a late-afternoon visit to a large Yellow-headed Blackbird roost at the city’s wetlands—often numbering in the thousands.
Watch the sun set over the desert foothills of the Franklin Mountains, a perfect introduction to the landscapes of the Southwest.
Enjoy an evening welcome dinner and trip orientation.
Day 2
Enjoy morning birding at Ascarate Lake, a top spot for wintering ducks, grebes, and mergansers.
Explore the rocky slopes of the Franklin Mountains for Scaled Quail, Cactus Wren, and Crissal Thrasher.
Travel north along the Rio Grande corridor, stopping at riparian edges for Verdin, Phainopepla, and Say’s Phoebe.
Take an afternoon stop near La Union wetlands for Burrowing Owl, Loggerhead Shrike, and Ferruginous Hawk.
Tuck in at the Night at Hampton Inn & Suites, Las Cruces.
Day 3
Begin the day in Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument, where granite ridges and pinyon-juniper slopes hold Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay, Juniper Titmouse, and Rufous-crowned Sparrow.
Continue north into the Jornada del Muerto Grasslands, scanning for Lark Bunting, Brewer’s Sparrow, Prairie Falcon, and Golden Eagle over the rolling steppe.
Sunset birding along Tortugas Mountain foothills for Verdin, Black-throated Sparrow, and desert specialties.
Relace back at the Night at Hampton Inn & Suites, Las Cruces.
Day 4
Make an early departure for Percha Dam State Park, known for its towering cottonwoods and excellent winter passerines—Gambel’s Quail, Verdin, Phainopepla, and Bridled Titmouse.
Continue north to Caballo Reservoir, scanning open water for Ross’s Goose, Clark’s and Western Grebes, and Bald Eagle.
Spend the Late-afternoon birding along Animas Creek for Acorn Woodpecker and Arizona Woodpecker in the riparian corridor.
Relax back at the Night at Comfort Inn, Truth or Consequences.
Day 5
Start the morning at Elephant Butte Lake, New Mexico’s largest reservoir, where flocks of Canvasback, Hooded Merganser, and Eared Grebe gather.
Midday stop at Water Canyon in the Magdalena Mountains to look for Acorn Woodpecker, Steller’s Jay, and Mountain Chickadee in cool pine-oak forest.
Arrive at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge by late afternoon to witness the stunning spectacle of Snow Geese and Sandhill Cranes returning to roost in golden light.
Turn in back at the Night at Comfort Inn, Socorro.
Day 6
Make an early morning return to Bosque del Apache for the iconic crane and goose fly-out—thousands of birds filling the dawn sky in waves of motion and sound.
Continue north to the Bernardo Waterfowl Complex, where flooded fields attract American White Pelican, Northern Harrier, and Red-tailed Hawk.
Attend an optional ascent to Sandia Crest above Albuquerque in search of Black, Brown-capped, and Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches (weather permitting).
Make a late-afternoon visit to the Rio Grande Nature Center, home to Wood Duck, Mountain Chickadee, and Cooper’s Hawk.
Spend the evening back at tje Night at Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel.
Day 7
Spend the morning at leisure and transfer to the airport for departures at any time.
What’s Included
Accomodations & Dining
Settle into comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. Enjoy freshly prepared meals that highlight local flavors and international favorites, with consideration for any dietary needs.
Guided Services & Gratuities
Experience each destination with the help of Leaders who share history, culture, and wildlife insights. Gratuities for crew and local guides are included, ensuring seamless service without extra concerns; tipping for your Leaders is discretionary and not included.
Active Essentials
Every tour includes the core elements that make our field experiences possible so you can stay engaged with a range of activities. All outings include the necessary equipment and full safety support, making it easy to join at your own pace.
Transportation & Logistics
We coordinate every transfer, from airport pickup to port boarding. Whether traveling by bus, boat, or charter, our team ensures smooth connections and stress-free travel.
FAQs
Similar Trips
Loading calendar...