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

Cassin's Vireo

Vireo cassinii

6/1/2026Bandelier NM--Pueblo Loop Trail1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

6/1/2026Upper Water Canyon1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

5/31/2026Upper Los Alamos Canyon1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/31/2026Upper Water Canyon1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/31/2026Tetilla Peak Recreation Area1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

5/31/2026Tetilla Peak Recreation Area2 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

5/31/2026Upper Los Alamos Canyon1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

25/31/2026

Redhead

25/31/2026

Ruddy Duck

115/31/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

25/31/2026

American Coot

15/31/2026

Killdeer

35/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Eared Grebe

45/31/2026

Western Grebe

45/31/2026

Common Loon

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

75/31/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Western Kingbird

15/31/2026

Barn Swallow

15/31/2026

Rock Wren

15/31/2026

Bewick's Wren

55/31/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/31/2026

House Finch

165/31/2026

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.