a lone tree in the middle of a desert

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 351 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, and Mallard among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

6/1/2026Bitter Lake NWR2 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

6/1/2026Bitter Lake NWR1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

5/31/2026Bitter Lake NWR1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/31/2026Bitter Lake NWR1 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

5/30/2026Bitter Lake NWR--OxBow1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/29/2026Bitter Lake NWR

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Scaled Quail

86/1/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

26/1/2026

White-winged Dove

16/1/2026

Mourning Dove

46/1/2026

Common Nighthawk

16/1/2026

Say's Phoebe

16/1/2026

Western Kingbird

36/1/2026

Barn Swallow

66/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

16/1/2026

House Sparrow

66/1/2026

Cassin's Sparrow

26/1/2026

Western Meadowlark

26/1/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

16/1/2026

Blue-winged Teal

66/1/2026

Cinnamon Teal

136/1/2026

Northern Shoveler

156/1/2026

Gadwall

116/1/2026

Mallard

116/1/2026

Mexican Duck

16/1/2026

Northern Pintail

16/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

  4. 4

    Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.

  5. 5

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge include Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Bufflehead, Scaled Quail, Ring-billed Gull, Killdeer, Great Egret, House Sparrow, Lesser Goldfinch, White-crowned Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
There is no entrance fee at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.