Cochiti Lake

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Cochiti Lake is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 255 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts American Coot, Sandhill Crane, and Ring-billed Gull 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

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

3/5/2026Sandia Wetlands (no public access, no photography)1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

3/5/2026River Trail between Blue Dot Trail and the County Line Bosque1 observed

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

3/5/202612 Karen Circle, White Rock1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

3/3/2026Marty Sanchez Golf Course Pond1 observed

Violet-green Swallow

Tachycineta thalassina

3/3/2026Old Road Trail2 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

3/2/2026Pena Blanca Bosque--Arroyo Leyba Rd. Entrance1 observed

Ring-billed Gull

Larus delawarensis

3/1/2026Yard 333 Potrillo67 observed

American Dipper

Cinclus mexicanus

2/28/2026Bandelier NM--Ponderosa Trail1 observed

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

2/24/2026Peña Blanca2 observed

Pacific Wren

Troglodytes pacificus

2/23/2026Upper Water Canyon1 observed

Black-throated Sparrow

Amphispiza bilineata

2/20/2026Cerrillos Hills SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Coot

503/1/2026

Sandhill Crane

1003/1/2026

Western Grebe

13/1/2026

Common Merganser

32/24/2026

American Robin

12/24/2026

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 Cochiti Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Cochiti Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Cochiti Lake?
Notable species at Cochiti Lake include American Coot, Sandhill Crane, Ring-billed Gull, Western Grebe, Common Merganser. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cochiti Lake?
Birding at Cochiti Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cochiti Lake?
Cochiti Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.