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

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

4/18/2026Hillsboro (town)1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

4/18/2026Hillsboro (town)1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

4/17/2026Ladder Ranch (No Public Access)1 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

4/8/2026Hillsboro (town)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

354/13/2026

Cinnamon Teal

254/13/2026

Northern Shoveler

84/13/2026

Gadwall

24/13/2026

Mexican Duck

24/13/2026

Gambel's Quail

24/13/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

14/13/2026

White-winged Dove

44/13/2026

Mourning Dove

54/13/2026

Killdeer

64/13/2026

Wilson's Snipe

34/13/2026

Least Sandpiper

54/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/13/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

14/13/2026

Great Horned Owl

14/13/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Black Phoebe

14/13/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

204/13/2026

Cliff Swallow

104/13/2026

Northern Mockingbird

34/13/2026

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.