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

Anna's Hummingbird

Calypte anna

7/19/2026JK Hill-Hillsboro US-NM (32.9207,-107.5756)1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

7/17/2026Caballo Lake SP--Riverside Recreation Area (below dam)2 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/13/2026Caballo Lake SP1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

7/11/2026Hillsboro (town)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

27/17/2026

White-winged Dove

77/17/2026

Mourning Dove

27/17/2026

Common Nighthawk

37/17/2026

Killdeer

17/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/17/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

17/17/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

17/17/2026

Black Phoebe

17/17/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

17/17/2026

Tropical Kingbird

27/17/2026

Violet-green Swallow

27/17/2026

Barn Swallow

47/17/2026

Cliff Swallow

47/17/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/17/2026

House Sparrow

17/17/2026

House Finch

17/17/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

17/17/2026

Cassin's Sparrow

17/17/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

47/17/2026

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.