Birding at RGNC

Guided Bird Walks

Join volunteer naturalists for a free guided bird walk Saturdays and Sundays at 8:30am year round. Meet at the Candelaria Wetland wildlife viewing blind on the north side of the parking lot. Binoculars are available to borrow. No signup is necessary – just show up! 

Birdwatching Resources

Over 300 species of birds can be seen at the park. About 40 of these are residents and the rest are seasonal migrants. Our two most popular year-round residents are the Greater Roadrunner, New Mexico’s state bird, and the colorful Wood Duck. You can probably spot them without even trying!

Before heading out into the field to observe our winged residents, stop by the Visitor Center. There, you’ll find the following resources of interest to birders:

• Recently seen bird list is behind the front desk, on a white board that lists the likely birds at the park with dates indicating recent sightings.
• RGNCSP Bird Checklist can be downloaded here or picked up at the front desk.
• The Observation Room, the beautiful glass-walled room overlooking our main pond is a great viewing area! It’s especially good for folks wishing to avoid a lot of walking or for anyone wanting to view winter waterfowl. 
• Trail maps can be found at the front desk. Ask the front desk volunteer to help you locate bird feeding stations and wildlife viewing areas on the grounds.
• Basic binoculars and wildlife field guides can be borrowed from the front desk staff by leaving a driver’s license.