Join the American Birding Association for a full weekend of birding, community, and celebration in and around Albuquerque, New Mexico, August 22–23, 2026!

All bird walks and talks are free and open to the public, but registration is required. Some locations may charge an access fee. Additional details, such as speakers, will be announced soon.

Mid-August in central New Mexico offers bird-rich mornings across four distinct habitats reachable within an hour of downtown. The Rio Grande bosque teems with early southbound migrants; monsoon wetlands at urban refuges bring shorebirds and hummingbirds; the Sandia foothills deliver a piñon-juniper species set unavailable at lower elevations; and the mountain mixed-conifer zone at Capulin Spring (8,740 ft) provides hummingbird diversity and mountain woodland species

Each morning, you'll have the choice between two simultaneous bird walk options. In the afternoon, we'll have a workshop, which on Saturday is followed by a social.

Saturday

Sat., August 22, you'll have a choice between Rio Grande Nature Center Park and Capulin Springs.

Morning Option A: Rio Grande Nature Center State Park Field Trip (7:30am)

Accessible by public transport, self-drive or carpooling

Wheelchair-accessible.

Resident day use fee $5, non-resident day use fee $10.

Immerse yourself in a vibrant urban oasis! Located on the central Rio Grande flyway, this premier, fully accessible sanctuary features lush grasslands, cottonwood bosques, and thriving wetlands. It is a haven for spectacular wildlife, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. Keep your eyes peeled for target species like Wilson’s and MacGillivray’s Warblers, dazzling Rufous Hummingbirds, and the iconic Greater Roadrunner. Other species include: Yellow Warbler, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher; Black-chinned Hummingbird; Broad-tailed Hummingbird; Vermilion Flycatcher; Candelaria Wetland shorebirds. The site boasts 1.2 miles of easy trails, an indoor pond-viewing room, and accessible blinds.

Morning Option B: Capulin Springs (8:00am)

Self-drive and carpool only.

Not wheelchair-accessible.

$10 recreation amenities fee per vehicle.

Escape to the mountains and experience a birding paradise! Perched at an invigorating 8,846 feet, Capulin Springs showcases a unique mixed-conifer habitat. The site's natural spring draws incredible wildlife year-round, offering the absolute best hummingbird diversity in the Albuquerque area. Wander the 1.5-mile loop and look for specialized target species unavailable in the valley, including the Juniper Titmouse, Rock Wren, and Scaled Quail. Other species include: Black-throated Sparrow, Canyon Towhee, Curve-billed Thrasher, Bewick’s Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Say’s Phoebe. While the picnic area features paved pathways, the broader forest trails are unpaved, uneven, and not wheelchair accessible.

Afternoon Workshop: Hummingbirds of the Southwest (2-3:30pm)

In city, free on-site parking. Self-drive, carpool or transit.

Wheelchair-friendly in dry weather

Dive into the world of hummingbirds! This fully accessible afternoon workshop covers ID, molt, migration, and local research. Conveniently located just ten minutes from downtown, venues feature free parking and a stunning observation room. Perfect for nature lovers looking to deepen their knowledge before heading into the field.

Social at Tractor Brewing, Wells Park (4-6pm)

Unwind and connect! Located a short, walkable 15 minutes from downtown hotels, this vibrant venue features a reserved outdoor patio section for our group. Enjoy ground-level access and accessible restrooms at this perfect, easy-to-reach spot for casual evening socializing.

Sunday

This morning, you get to choose between Sandia Foothills and Tingley Beach.

Morning Option A: Sandia Foothills, Elena Gallegos Open Space (7:30am)

Short drive (self-drive or carpool), partially transit-accessible.

Partially wheelchair accessible.

$2 per vehicle.

Explore the striking high-desert beauty of the Sandia Foothills! This scenic landscape serves as a premier viewing ground for classic southwestern species. Keep your binoculars ready for target birds like the Black-throated Sparrow, Juniper Titmouse, and Cactus Wren moving through the lower-elevation brush. Other species include: Canyon Towhee, Curve-billed Thrasher, Scaled Quail, Bewick’s Wren, Rock Wren, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Say’s Phoebe. The main picnic area offers accessible restrooms and a short, paved 0.25-mile interpretive trail. Longer paths venturing into the open space transition to packed gravel and unpaved terrain.

Morning Option B: Tingley Beach (7:30am)

Fully transit-accessible. Self-drive or carpool possible.

Wheelchair-accessible.

No fee to visit.

Discover an exceptional birding hotspot just minutes from the city center! Tingley Beach features a thriving urban wetland and edge habitat, making it a prime stopover for a variety of fascinating water birds. Stroll along the beautifully paved, fully wheelchair-accessible walkways that loop around all three scenic ponds. Keep a sharp lookout for target species like migrant waterfowl, herons, grebes, and the striking Vermilion Flycatcher. You might even spot a Belted Kingfisher or a Neotropic Cormorant.

Afternoon Workshop: The Middle Rio Grande: Ecology, Conservation, Threats (1-2:30pm)

In city, free on-site parking. Seld-drive, carpool or transit.

Wheelchair-friendly in dry weather.

Uncover the secrets of the bosque! This fully accessible, in-city workshop explores cottonwood regeneration, water management, and local conservation. Plus, get an exciting preview of wintering Sandhill Cranes. Conveniently hosted at an ADA-compliant classroom with easy city access.

Accessibility Information

The ABA strives to make ABA Community Weekend welcoming and accessible to all participants. Please note that some bird walks take place on natural trails with uneven terrain. Accessibility information is listed for each activity. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, please contact us ahead of the event so we can help ensure a comfortable experience.

Saturday

• Morning Option A: Rio Grande Nature Center State Park Field Trip

• Morning Option B: Capulin Springs

• Afternoon Workshop: Hummingbirds of the Southwest

• Social

Sunday

• Morning Option A: Sandia Foothills

• Morning Option B: Tingley Beach

• Afternoon Workshop: The Middle Rio Grande: Ecology, Conservation, Threats