Bill Evans Lake

New Mexico · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Bill Evans Lake is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Mallard, Ruddy Duck, and Mourning Dove among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Mallard Ruddy Duck Mourning Dove American Coot Pied-billed Grebe

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Arizona Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus arizonae

5/30/2026Gila NF--Turkey Creek Trailhead2 observed

Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher

Myiodynastes luteiventris

5/30/2026Gila NF--Turkey Creek Trailhead2 observed

Gray Hawk

Buteo plagiatus

5/25/2026Gila Bird Area1 observed

Willow Flycatcher (Southwestern)

Empidonax traillii

5/23/2026Gila River Preserve--Iron Bridge Conservation Area2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

25/21/2026

Mexican Duck

15/21/2026

Common Merganser

15/21/2026

Gambel's Quail

15/21/2026

American Coot

105/21/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/21/2026

Eared Grebe

15/21/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

15/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/21/2026

Common Raven

25/21/2026

Cliff Swallow

25/21/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

185/21/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in New Mexico

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

Rio Grande refuge renowned for spectacular Sandhill Crane and Snow Goose flyouts.

Acomita Lake

Lake birding hotspot in New Mexico with 201 recorded species.

Belen Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in New Mexico with 205 recorded species.

New Mexico Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in New Mexico →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bill Evans Lake for birding?▼

The best months to visit Bill Evans Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Bill Evans Lake?▼

Notable species at Bill Evans Lake include Mallard, Ruddy Duck, Mourning Dove, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Bill Evans Lake?▼

Birding at Bill Evans Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Bill Evans Lake?▼

Bill Evans Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.