Desert birding habitat

East of Las Cruces Dam

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

East of Las Cruces Dam is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 235 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and Green-winged Teal 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

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

5/24/2026Picacho Hills4 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/24/2026Picacho Hills1 observed

Willow Flycatcher (Southwestern)

Empidonax traillii

5/24/2026La Llorona Trail Extension3 observed

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

5/23/2026Mesilla Valley Bosque SP1 observed

Thick-billed Kingbird

Tyrannus crassirostris

5/23/2026Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, Mesilla US-NM 32.25011, -106.821571 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

35/26/2026

Inca Dove

15/26/2026

White-winged Dove

205/26/2026

Mourning Dove

35/26/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

15/26/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

15/26/2026

Swainson's Hawk

25/26/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

15/26/2026

American Kestrel

15/26/2026

Western Kingbird

45/26/2026

Verdin

15/26/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

35/26/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/26/2026

House Sparrow

45/26/2026

House Finch

85/26/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

65/26/2026

Rock Pigeon

15/26/2026

Hooded Oriole

15/26/2026

Scott's Oriole

15/26/2026

European Starling

55/26/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit East of Las Cruces Dam for birding?
The best months to visit East of Las Cruces Dam for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at East of Las Cruces Dam?
Notable species at East of Las Cruces Dam include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, Ruddy Duck, Gambel's Quail. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at East of Las Cruces Dam?
Birding at East of Las Cruces Dam is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at East of Las Cruces Dam?
East of Las Cruces Dam offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.