Bandelier National Monument - April (U.S. National Park Service)

Photo by sally king

Year-round birds, like the Western Bluebird, begin to seek nesting sites in April.

THE NORM
Days are mostly sunny and nice while nights are still cold. Snow is not unlikely but the storms are usually brief and the snow wet. Trails at lower elevations are mostly clear of snow but ice lingers in protected areas. Mud is common on some trails. This is a good time for longer hikes in the lower elevations of the park. Wildflowers and butterflies become more common along the trails. Year-round birds begin to search for nesting sites. High elevations maintain a good volume of snow but conditions become less favorable for winter activities. Visitation increases with numerous school groups and bus tours arriving in the park.

photo by sally king

Butterflies are plentiful in the park by mid-April.

April 2008
April started out very pleasant but quite windy. On April 9 - 11th a cold front dropped temperatures and some snow on the area. Temperatures rebounded quickly and the snow didn't last long. Snow is completely gone from the lower elevations and only a minimal amount is left at the highest elevations in the park. Butterflies are plentiful especially Painted Ladies that are migrating through in large numbers. Some of the first wildflowers of the season are blooming and many more are likely to make their appearance soon. Visitation has been somewhat busy. Short traffic delays may occur on the road coming into Frijoles Canyon as crews work to replace the park's old sewage lift station. The trail beyond Alcove House to Upper Crossing reopened on April 13th after being closed since late last summer. Santa Fe Raptor Center had live birds behind the visitor center on Sunday, April 20th from 11 AM to 3 PM.

photo by sally king

April wildlife sightings in Frijoles Canyon include a Song Sparrow, Painted Lady butterfly, California Tortoiseshell butterfly, and Evening Grosbeak.

photo by sally king

Claretcup cactus are just one of the park's beautiful flowering plants that are currently in bloom.

WILDFLOWERS CURRENTLY IN BLOOM

Candy Tuft
Easter Daisies
Claretcup Cactus
Perky Sue
Canada Violet
Heron's Bill
Wild Plum
New Mexico Olive (almost finished blooming)
Pasque Flower
Indian Paintbrush
Pussy Toes

photo by sally king

This Gray Fox was spotted on the park entrance road on April 27th.

RECENT WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS

Rock Squirrel*
Eastern Fence Lizard*
Mountain Bluebird
Turkey Vulture*
Gray Fox
Black Bear*
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake*
Wilson's Phalarope
American Widgeon
Cinnamon Teal
Green-winged Teal
Great Blue Heron
Evening Grosbeak
Chipping Sparrow*
Northern Shoveler
Black-chinned Hummingbird*
Pine Siskin*

*Common park residents that made their first appearance this month after either migrating away for the winter or hibernating.

photo by sally king

Many migrating species of birds can be seen in the park in April including these Wilson's Phalaropes on the park's sewer lagoons.