Lake birding habitat

Clayton Lake State Park

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Clayton Lake State Park is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 260 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, 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

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

6/2/2026Clayton Lake SP1 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

6/2/2026Clayton Lake SP1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

6/1/2026Clayton Lake SP1 observed

Rock Wren (Northern)

Salpinctes obsoletus

6/1/2026Clayton Lake SP2 observed

Bronzed Cowbird

Molothrus aeneus

5/29/2026Clayton Wastewater Treatment Facility--Main Campus (check-in at office)1 observed

Mallard x Mexican Duck (hybrid)

Anas platyrhynchos x diazi

5/29/2026Clayton Cattle Feeders Feed Lot (check in at office)1 observed

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

5/29/2026Clayton Lake SP--Nature Trail1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/29/2026Clayton Lake SP--Nature Trail1 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

5/29/2026Clayton Lake SP--Nature Trail1 observed

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

5/29/2026Clayton Lake SP--Nature Trail2 observed

Black x Eastern Phoebe (hybrid)

Sayornis nigricans x phoebe

5/29/2026Clayton Lake SP--Nature Trail1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

5/29/2026Clayton Lake SP--Nature Trail1 observed

Downy Woodpecker (Eastern)

Dryobates pubescens

5/29/2026Clayton Lake SP--Nature Trail2 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/29/2026Clayton Lake SP -- Dinosaur Track Trail1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

5/29/2026Clayton Lake SP -- Dinosaur Track Trail1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/29/2026Clayton Lake SP -- Dinosaur Track Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Say's Phoebe

16/2/2026

Cliff Swallow

206/2/2026

Cassin's Sparrow

16/2/2026

Western Meadowlark

66/2/2026

Blue-winged Teal

36/2/2026

Mallard

26/2/2026

Green-winged Teal

16/2/2026

Wild Turkey

26/2/2026

Mourning Dove

46/2/2026

Common Nighthawk

26/2/2026

American Coot

16/2/2026

American Avocet

26/2/2026

Killdeer

36/2/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/2/2026

White-rumped Sandpiper

36/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

26/2/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

36/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

Great Horned Owl

26/2/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

56/2/2026

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 Clayton Lake State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Clayton Lake State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Clayton Lake State Park?
Notable species at Clayton Lake State Park include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Clayton Lake State Park?
Birding at Clayton Lake State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Clayton Lake State Park?
Clayton Lake State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.