A Prothonotary Warbler wowed birders at Shining Bosque Trails - Photo by PD.
October Wings – Fall in Albuquerque
Welcome to the excitement of fall migration! Each autumn, New Mexico becomes a superhighway for migrating birds. With 557 species documented in the state as of January 2025, the diversity of birds passing through and settling in makes this season especially rewarding for bird lovers. At WBU East, we’re celebrating with fun events, a brand-new seed blend, and a full lineup of bird walks and presentations to help you make the most of this special time of year!
Birds on the Move
Be watching for a swirl of Turkey Vultures. Turkey Vultures can be spotted swirling high overhead in kettles. Large flocks of waterfowl are arriving and so are the beloved Sandhill Cranes recently spotted at Los Poblanos Open Space. White-crowned, Chipping, and Song Sparrows have made their way back, joined by Northern Flickers, while waves of warblers, tanagers, and flycatchers continue their southbound journey through the state. Swainson's Hawks are heading to Argentina to stay the winter enjoying a diet of yummy grasshoppers.
Science of Migration
How do birds find their way? Do their parents guide them, or do they rely on landmarks, the stars, or even the earth’s magnetic field? Many species migrate under the cover of night so how do they manage to navigate in darkness and travel such incredible distances and how do they know the exact moment to begin their journey? Learn about these marvels of migration from avian expert Josiah Lavender on our YouTube Channel @ Wild Birds Unlimited ABQ East.
Hummingbird Feeders
A frequent question we receive at the store is when to take down our hummingbird feeders. Keep your feeders filled and clean until two weeks have passed without seeing one.
New Seed Blend
Just arrived is our Choice Blend offering a mix of oil sunflower, chopped tree nuts, sunflower chips, shelled peanuts, suet nuggets, safflower, striped sunflower, cherries, AND cranberries! Whew what an impressive variety! Your birds will love it and your feeders could be a stopover for migrating birds so keep them full.
Upcoming Events & Bird Outings
On October 11, birders around the globe will take part in October Big Day, heading outdoors to observe and document as many species as possible through eBird. Whether you’re watching your feeders at home or exploring open spaces, every sighting matters. It’s a fun way to connect with the worldwide birding community while making a valuable contribution to science. Want to learn about eBird? Check out our eBird - Getting Started page.
October Big Day Bird Outing
Date: Saturday, October 11 | ⏰ 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Where: Los Poblanos Open Space Community Gardens
Join WBU East staff for a beginner-friendly walk. This will be a fun way to learn birding basics, spot fall migrants, and log sightings on eBird. Need an eBird account? Go here to create your free account and then download the app! This outing is free & open to all! Bring your curiosity (and binoculars if you have them)! A porta-potty is available and the surface is flat with mix of dirt/gravel trail.
📍 Meet at the NW corner of the Open Space. Off Chavez head south on Nabor. Park along the ditch near Alvarado Elementary School.
Bird Walk & Presentation – Save the Date!
Saturday, October 18 | ⏰ Starting at 8am
Join avian expert Josiah Lavender for a morning Bird Walk at Embudo Canyon, where you’ll explore our local birds and their fall behaviors. Then, continue the day at WBU East with Josiah’s “Avian Intelligence and Senses” presentation at 11am. Discover how birds think, perceive the world, and navigate their environments in remarkable ways. Bring your binoculars, curiosity, and love of birds for a day of learning and adventure! Learn more about the in-store presentation here.
Send questions about the walks or presentation to [email protected].
Festival of the Cranes - Save the Date!
December 3 - 7, 2025 join WBU East, birders and nature lovers at the 36th Festival of the Cranes hosted by Friends of Bosque del Apache . Over five days, the event celebrates the arrival of thousands of wintering Sandhill Cranes, Snow Geese, and ducks, offering workshops, guided tours, hikes, photography classes, a Camera & Optics Expo, and nature presentations. Stop by our table to say hello! Our partners at ZEISS will be onsite with a full display of binoculars to try and purchase.Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned birder, there will be something for everyone plus incredible views of the cranes in their winter refuge. Learn more and register here. Registration opens October 15.
- Hopefully the Federal government shut down ends and this festival will go as planned! 🤞🏼
Fall migration is truly one of the most rewarding times to experience the outdoors in New Mexico. From the comfort of your backyard feeders to the camaraderie of a group bird walk, each day can bring new sightings and surprises as birds move through the state. Join us to soak in the wonders of migration and celebrate birds!
Share Your Sightings
Have an exciting critter in your yard or a cool bird photographed on a hike? Send photos to [email protected] and we may feature your photos on our website or in social media. Connect with us on social media for more tips and happenings: WBUABQ on Instagram, Wild Birds Unlimited (Albuquerque, NM East) on Facebook and on our YouTube Channel - WildBirdsUnlimited ABQEast.
Good birding!
PD StClair is a team member at WBU East and Santa Fe