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

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

4/12/2026Bitter Lake NWR1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

4/11/2026Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Roswell US-NM 33.43801, -104.407792 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

4/11/2026Bottomless Lakes SP1 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

4/10/2026Bitter Lake NWR - Unit 71 observed

Cave Swallow

Petrochelidon fulva

4/9/2026Bitter Lake NWR1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

4/8/2026Bitter Lake NWR1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

4/8/2026Bitter Lake NWR1 observed

Glossy x White-faced Ibis (hybrid)

Plegadis falcinellus x chihi

4/8/2026Bitter Lake NWR1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

224/15/2026

Cinnamon Teal

124/15/2026

Northern Shoveler

1254/15/2026

Gadwall

184/15/2026

American Wigeon

554/15/2026

Mallard

144/15/2026

Green-winged Teal

654/15/2026

Lesser Scaup

64/15/2026

Ruddy Duck

554/15/2026

Scaled Quail

54/15/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/15/2026

White-winged Dove

14/15/2026

Mourning Dove

44/15/2026

American Coot

554/15/2026

Black-necked Stilt

554/15/2026

American Avocet

2254/15/2026

Killdeer

84/15/2026

Snowy Plover

14/15/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

854/15/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

14/15/2026

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.