A Rare Bird Comes to New Mexico

On July 7, 2013, 19-year-old North Carolina birder Matt Daw astonished the birding world when he dropped the best-ever birding photobomb on unsuspecting ABA birders. Matt had been taking video of a Least Bittern at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge when, well, see for yourself:



Matt was so startled that he stopped his camera and looked up. A Rufous-necked Wood-Rail, usually found in mangrove swamps from Mexico to northern South America, had just walked across his camera display. There had never been any previous sightings of a Rufous-necked Wood-Rail in the ABA area. The sighting was initially posted as unconfirmed on the ABA blog. Later that evening, when the video was posted, the situation began to heat up in New Mexico.

Birders began arriving at Bosque del Apache on Sunday afternoon. The rail was remarkably cooperative. It had thoughtfully chosen an area that was near a parking lot and that was even handicap-accessible, allowing a maximum number of birders to get good looks at the bird.

I was able to get to the refuge on Monday morning. Unbelievably, I was able to walk right out onto the boardwalk and see the bird immediately.

Rufous-necked Wood-Rail

The Wood-Rail stayed well back from the boardwalk.  I do not have a huge lens or a digiscoping setup, but still you can see that it is a fairly large and beautiful bird. It went in and out of the reeds, making forays into the water to fish for minnows and crustaceans.

Rufous-necked Wood-Rail foraging

Rufous-necked Wood-Rail

On the first morning when I arrived at Bosque del Apache, there were some birders on the boardwalk.

Bosque Wood-Rail watchers

By the following weekend, there were many birders on the boardwalk.

Wood-Rail fan club

Birders from all over the US traveled to see this rare bird. I let people know that I would be willing to offer a place to stay to anyone traveling to New Mexico. Birders from Florida, Texas and Pennsylvania have stayed with me.

Even New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich came out to the refuge to see the Wood-Rail.

ABA President Jeffrey Gordon and NM Sen. Martin Heinrich scan the area for the Wood-Rail (photo courtesy of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge)

ABA President Jeffrey Gordon and his wife Liz DeLuna Gordon provided wonderful support for the refuge and for birders, setting up a table with snacks, water, sunscreen and insect repellent and providing a welcome for birders and for the Senator. As a New Mexican, I am very grateful for their support.

And what of the Least Bittern that started this? It is still there, foraging in the marshy areas.

Least Bittern

A Green Heron often makes an appearance.

Green Heron

I think you will enjoy watching this interview of Matt Daw by ABA President Jeffrey Gordon.




This is not the first unexpected sighting of a rare bird at Bosque del Apache. In 2008 a Sungrebe was seen there.

As of this writing the Wood-Rail is still present. Come to New Mexico to see it!