Bird watching is one of the world's fastest growing sports, and approximately 47 million Americans call themselves birders.

If you would like to spend a fun-filled day watching for an array of species, Albuquerque is home to several fabulous destinations including:

Rio Grande Nature Center

Nestled in the heart of the city's North Valley, the Rio Grande Nature Center spans 270 acres of woods, meadows, and farmland. It sits on the Rio Grande flyway, making for excellent bird watching opportunities, and there are both indoor and outdoor viewing areas overlooking the ponds. More than 130,000 people visit the center each year, and the staff gladly loans binoculars and field guides to those who need them. Species that may be spotted include northern flickers, black-chinned hummingbirds, and great blue herons.

Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge

Situated on a former dairy farm, Valle de Oro is the Southwest's first urban wildlife center. It offers stunning vistas of the Sandia Mountains and the Vulcan Volcano Tubes and features a landscape that attracts both native and migratory birds. Species may include green-winged teals, upland sandpipers, and common black hawks.

Open Space Visitor Center

Set against the backdrop of the Sandia Mountains, the Open Space Visitor Center stretches approximately eighteen acres of agricultural land for the benefit of wildlife. Its mission is to connect people to place, and the fall is the best time to visit as the center welcomes dozens of migratory sandhill cranes. Every year, it hosts the Return of the Cranes celebration which features fun activities and telescopes for better bird viewing.

These are just some of the bird watching destinations near our apartments in Albuquerque, New Mexico. If you are searching for a place to call home, please contact our friendly leasing agents to schedule a tour where you can see our community firsthand.