Recent Birds at Rio Bosque

Water deliveries to Rio Bosque from the adjacent Roberto Bustamante Wastewater Treatment Plant resumed 1 May.  Water is gradually advancing in the old river channel within the park, and small areas are receiving some water in the wetland cells.  On 23 May, the park also began receiving Rio Grande Project irrigation water. 

A pair of Mississippi Kites has been hanging out of late along the upstream half of the old river channel. 

A Western Screech-Owl continues to emerge from a nest box in Cell 1 around sunset.  With the warmer weather Burrowing Owls are being seen more frequently now.  Look for them around the artificial burrow structures located on earthen mounds scattered throughout the park.  Best prospects are early and late in the day. 

Monk Parakeets have been conspicuous visitors to the park throughout May.  Look for them along the old river channel, where they are feeding on cottonwood and willow catkins. 

Northern Cardinals continue to be present, typically along or near the old river channel. 

Spring migration is winding down.  The first Western Kingbird appeared at the park 31 March; the first Swainson's Hawk, 4 April; the first Black-chinned Hummingbird, 10 April; the first Bell's Vireo, 11 April; the first Green Heron, 12 April; the first Ash-throated Flycatcher, 20 April; the first Lesser Nighthawk, 22 Apr; the first Yellow-breasted Chats, 25 Apr; the first Summer Tanager, 2 May; the first Blue Grosbeak and Painted Bunting, 16 May.  As we move into June, we await the arrival of the first Yellow-billed Cuckoo. 

You can download the current field checklist for the park here.

You can view recent Rio Bosque bird observations posted to eBird here.