Recent Birds at Rio Bosque

Water deliveries to the park from the adjacent Roberto Bustamante Wastewater Treatment Plant resumed 1 May.  Water is flowing the length of the old river channel within the park, and portions of the wetland cells are flooded. 

On 14 May, an adult Tricolored Heron was along the old river channel near its downstream end. 

White-tailed Kites have not been seen since 28 Mar, but Mississippi Kites were soaring overhead both 13 and 14 May.  Harris's Hawks continue to be seen intermittently. 

Western Screech-Owls and Burrowing Owls are present but hard to find.  For Burrowing Owls, check the artificial burrow structures located on earthen mounds scattered throughout the park.  A Long-eared Owl was roosting in a stand of tornillos near the Tornillo Trailhead from 30 Apr through at least 8 May. 

Spring arrivals:  Swainson's Hawk, 24 Mar; Western Kingbird, 31 Mar; Ash-throated Flycatcher, 1 Apr; Black-chinned Hummingbird, 13 Apr; Lesser Nighthawk, 21 Apr; Bell's Vireo, 24 Apr; Yellow-breasted Chat, 27 Apr; Summer Tanager, 8 May; Painted Bunting, 8 May.

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: