By PD StClair, WBU Staff Member

Summer Tanager at the Rio Grande Nature Center. Image credit to PD.

June in New Mexico makes for a joyful time for bird enthusiasts. As spring migration tapers, many birds settle into their breeding routines. This is an ideal time to observe nesting behaviors and fledgling activity in your yard. Baby birds are often vocal and demanding, chirping persistently signaling their hunger and relying on their parents for food and protection. The landscape is full-on thriving in the warm sun supporting birds and insects.

Albuquerque Bird Life

Landscapes in spring and summer provide a nesting haven for a diverse amount of bird species, including the Black-chinned Hummingbird, Western Kingbird, Summer Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Lucy's Warbler. The Black-chinned Hummingbird, with its iridescent plumage, frequents flowering gardens and feeders. The Western Kingbird, known for its bold personality, can often be spotted perching on wires or chasing insects in open areas. The radiant Summer Tanager adds a splash of red to riparian woodlands, while the melodious Black-headed Grosbeak brings its rich songs to deciduous trees and shrubs. Meanwhile, Lucy's Warbler, one of the few warblers to nest in cavities, is a treasured sight. Together, these species highlight the ecological richness of Albuquerque, offering a spectacular experience-especially if you're fortunate enough to host birds nesting in your backyard.

Bird Events

Consider outings with groups like the Thursday Birders, with the Bird Alliance of Central New Mexico who organize regular outings open to birders of all experience levels. These excursions offer insights into local birding and species identification. Want to learn about birds of prey? Hawks Aloft will be in-store featuring some very special raptor ambassadors . Interested in a lecture on creating bird-safe windows?

Bird-Safe Windows Workshop – Silver City
Date & Time: June 7, 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Location: Silver City Public Library
Details: Learn how to make your windows safer for birds in this informative workshop hosted by the Bird Alliance of Southwestern New Mexico.

June 14 - Tingley Beach Bird Walk | 7:30 - 9:30 AM: Join fellow birders with the Bird Alliance of Central New Mexico for a guided walk to spot local species in their natural habitat. Visit bacnm.org for more details.

June 21 - Hawks Aloft In-Store | WBU Eastside on Menaul Blvd 11 AM - 2 PM: We’re thrilled to welcome Hawks Aloft to our store. This incredible organization is bringing some of their rescued raptors for an up-close and educational experience you won’t want to miss. Learn about these majestic birds of prey, their importance to our ecosystems, and the vital work Hawks Aloft does to rescue and rehabilitate injured raptors. Bring your family and friends for a unique opportunity to connect with these magnificent creatures and support a wonderful cause. No RSVP required, just stop by! Learn more about Hawks Aloft here.

Your Bird Oasis

Provide Clean Water: As it becomes warmer, birds seek reliable water sources to drink, bathe, and preen. Consider setting up a birdbath or water feature to attract more birds to your yard. We have a wonderful selection of both. Water is a bird magnet making your home a birding haven.

Keep Feeders Full: During nesting season birds require extra energy. Our SuperNesting blend is designed to support birds with extra protein while feeding their chicks. When abundant food is accessible to parent birds, it means more food is provided to their chicks. Access to bird feeders allows breeding females to spend less time foraging which leads to better protection of eggs from predators, earlier fledging of the nestlings and higher survival rates of the brood. With bird populations in decline a boost is beneficial for their well-being. Recent research shows summer to be the most abundant season for birds to visit feeders. Feeding your birds in the summer will not make them too dependent or delay migration. These misconceptions have been dispelled by modern research and observation.

Respect the Nest: Maintain a safe distance from nests to avoid disturbing birds during this critical time. If you find a baby bird and are unsure what to do? Go to Wildlife Rescue of NM. Check out their website for excellent information about when you should or should not try to help.

A Bird-Friendly Space

Since 1970, nearly 3 billion breeding birds have vanished from North America, largely due to habitat loss. The good news is you can make a difference. Wild Birds Unlimited partners with the National Wildlife Federation as the Champion of the Certified Wildlife Habitat program. This initiative empowers you to make simple yet impactful changes in your outdoor space to support local bird populations and other wildlife one yard at a time. Creating a bird-friendly habitat not only benefits birds, but also enhances your own well-being. Studies show connecting with nature through activities like bird watching can reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and boost overall health.

Now through July 31, enjoy 20% OFF Habitat Certification with promo code WBU20 . Once certified, your garden will be recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat®, and you’ll receive a certificate along with the option to purchase a sign or plaque to proudly display your commitment to conservation.

Go Native

You can support birds and wildlife by seeking garden selections specifically for our desert climate. Plants of the Southwest in Albuquerque and Santa Fe specialize in native and desert-adapted plants. Planting native plants supports wildlife, conserves water, reduces the need for pesticides, and creates a thriving, sustainable ecosystem right in your yard.

Creating a space for birds connects us to nature in meaningful ways. By supporting nesting birds, attending birding events, planting native plants, and feeding our backyard birds we play an active role in nurturing local wildlife. These simple actions not only sustain bird populations, but also enrich our lives with the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Together, we can make a difference—one yard, one bird, one event at a time.

Share your sightings, photos, and stories with us. We’d love to hear how you’re connecting with New Mexico’s incredible wildlife and landscape. Email us at [email protected]. Connect with us on social media for more tips and happenings. WBUABQ on Instagram and Wild Birds Unlimited (Albuquerque, NM East) on Facebook.