Wildlife watchers may see various waterfowl, sandhill cranes, elk, raptors, and songbirds. Good binoculars are important. The best time to view wildlife is at dawn or dusk. To protect wildlife and public safety, wildlife viewing, photography, and hiking are restricted to the Auto Tour Route, parking areas, and viewing platforms.

There is a pull-off area on US-60 adjacent to the ponds from which they may be viewed.

Part of the Ladd S. Gordon Waterfowl Complex, Bernardo Wildlife Area, 1675 acres, is located between Belen and Socorro between I-25 and the Rio Grande. Bernardo Wildlife Area was purchased in 1971 to provide habitat and food for wintering waterfowl.

The area contains mostly flat croplands. In the late fall and winter, fields are flooded for waterfowl to roost in.