Lake birding habitat

Caballo Lake State Park - Riverside Recreation Area (below dam)

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Caballo Lake State Park - Riverside Recreation Area (below dam) is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 278 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, and Mallard x Mexican Duck (hybrid) 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

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

5/30/2026Caballo Lake SP--Riverside Recreation Area (below dam)1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

5/22/2026JK Hill-Hillsboro US-NM (32.9207,-107.5756)1 observed

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

5/19/2026Percha Dam SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

15/30/2026

Mexican Duck

25/30/2026

Gambel's Quail

35/30/2026

White-winged Dove

15/30/2026

Killdeer

15/30/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

15/30/2026

Snowy Egret

15/30/2026

Great Egret

15/30/2026

Western Kingbird

45/30/2026

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

15/30/2026

Verdin

35/30/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

45/30/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/30/2026

Crissal Thrasher

15/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

45/30/2026

American Robin

25/30/2026

Phainopepla

25/30/2026

House Sparrow

35/30/2026

House Finch

95/30/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

15/30/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Caballo Lake State Park - Riverside Recreation Area (below dam) for birding?
The best months to visit Caballo Lake State Park - Riverside Recreation Area (below dam) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Caballo Lake State Park - Riverside Recreation Area (below dam)?
Notable species at Caballo Lake State Park - Riverside Recreation Area (below dam) include Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard x Mexican Duck (hybrid), Green-winged Teal, Gambel's Quail. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Caballo Lake State Park - Riverside Recreation Area (below dam)?
Birding at Caballo Lake State Park - Riverside Recreation Area (below dam) is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Caballo Lake State Park - Riverside Recreation Area (below dam)?
Caballo Lake State Park - Riverside Recreation Area (below dam) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.