Valle de Oro NWR

Tips for Birding

Both Chihuahuan and Common Raven have been reported. Familiarity with their calls is recommended for differentiation of the species.

Birds of Interest

Black-chinned is the most common species of hummingbird, here April-September, but Calliope, Rufous, and Broad-tailed are also reported.
Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs are both regularly observed in August. 
Pectoral Sandpiper is occasionally reported in August-September, with Spotted, Solitary, Baird's, Least, and Western being more common.
Olive-sided Flycatcher is most likely found in May and August, as is, though less frequently, Willow Flycatcher.
Swallows, here from April to September, include Bank, Tree, Violet-green, Northern Rough-winged, Barn, and Cliff.
Lark Sparrow is typically present from May to September, whereas White-crowned, White-throated, Savannah, Song, and Lincoln's feature in lists from September to April. Vesper Sparrow is most likely in September.

About Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge

See all hotspots at Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge

Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, the Southwest’s first urban wildlife refuge, serves as an urban oasis for both wildlife and people.

On a former dairy farm just a few miles south of New Mexico’s largest metropolitan area, the refuge works to create a conservation stewardship legacy by working with community partners to establish a 21st-century conservation ethic and reconnect people, especially young people, to the natural world. The new refuge was established due to the partnership efforts of many in the community that recognized the importance of having a wildlife refuge in this urban setting.

Valle de Oro offers a unique environmental education and recreation opportunity in a highly-populated area while promoting a wildlife conservation message.

Valle de Oro NWR is a designated Urban NWR. Valle de Oro was a former dairy farm and is still currently in agricultural fields on a majority of the property. Long-term Refuge plans are to make the refuge into a mosaic of native Middle Rio Grande Valley habitats and an oasis for both wildlife and people. At this refuge, staff, partners, and the community are collaboratively building a refuge from scratch, keeping in mind wildlife, people, environmental justice, and more.

Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge offers spectacular vistas of the Sandia Mountains, Vulcan volcano tubes, and the lush Rio Grande Bosque.

Located on the east bank of the Rio Grande, the refuge is seven miles south of downtown Albuquerque. The 570 acres of refuge land is currently in transition from irrigated fescue and alfalfa farm fields to a diversity of Rio Grande floodplain habitats including shallow seasonal wetlands, bosque, grasslands, and upland habitats. Farming will be phased out as restoration continues.

Notable Trails

The Refuge website includes a trails page. The 2.5-mile Bosque Loop Trail provides access to the Rio Grande bosque, a separate hotspot, and is therefore popular among birders.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Entrance fee

Content from Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge Official Website and John Montgomery

Last updated April 3, 2024