Recent Birds at Rio Bosque

Water deliveries to the park from the adjacent Roberto Bustamante Wastewater Treatment Plant resumed 4 May.  The park's wetland cells are again receiving water, albeit less than they do in winter. 

Summer residents are still present in good numbers, though the nesting season is winding down.  One to two Yellow-billed Cuckoos have been present since 18 June. 

A Tricolored Heron on 27 July represented a 6th record of this species for the park.

A Mississippi Kite soaring overhead on 29 July was the first this summer.  The park's resident Harris's Hawks continue to be seen intermittently.  Look for them in the vicinity of the Tornillo Trailhead or on the powerline poles and powerlines across the Riverside Canal from the park. 

Burrowing Owls are being seen more frequently, with immature birds now also appearing at burrow entrances.  Check the artificial burrow structures located on earthen mounds scattered throughout the park. 

On 22 July, a Prairie Falcon was flying over the west side of the park, a first for the park in summer. 

 On 29 June, 2 Cassin's Sparrows were singing in the southern part of the park.  At least one continued through 28 July, but there have been no detections since. 

At least 1 Northern Cardinal continues to be seen and heard intermittently. 

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

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

Noteworthy birds seen at the park during the past month: