Lake birding habitat

Cochiti Lake

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
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

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

7/19/2026NM, Bandelier, Maintenance Lagoons (Access by Permit Only)1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

7/18/2026Upper Los Alamos Canyon1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

7/18/2026Upper Water Canyon1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

7/18/2026Upper Los Alamos Canyon1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/18/2026Upper Los Alamos Canyon1 observed

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

7/18/2026Upper Los Alamos Canyon4 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

7/18/2026Upper Los Alamos Canyon1 observed

Painted Redstart

Myioborus pictus

7/16/2026Upper Los Alamos Canyon1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/6/2026

Killdeer

17/6/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

77/6/2026

Osprey

17/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/6/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

17/6/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

17/6/2026

Western Kingbird

27/6/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/6/2026

Bushtit

17/6/2026

Bewick's Wren

27/6/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

17/6/2026

Eastern Bluebird

17/6/2026

American Robin

17/6/2026

House Finch

47/6/2026

Chipping Sparrow

17/6/2026

Lark Sparrow

17/6/2026

Song Sparrow

17/6/2026

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.