Lake birding habitat

Elephant Butte Lake State Park - North Monticello Point

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Elephant Butte Lake State Park - North Monticello Point is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 239 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

Myiarchus tuberculifer

6/2/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Indian Springs1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

6/1/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Three Sisters Point1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

5/31/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Three Sisters Point1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

5/31/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Long Point1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Nighthawk

25/29/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/29/2026

Bell's Vireo

25/29/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

15/29/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/29/2026

Gambel's Quail

25/25/2026

White-winged Dove

15/25/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/25/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

15/25/2026

Verdin

15/25/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

25/25/2026

Bewick's Wren

15/25/2026

Spotted Towhee

15/25/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

25/25/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/25/2026

Lucy's Warbler

15/25/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

35/25/2026

Indigo Bunting

15/25/2026

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 Elephant Butte Lake State Park - North Monticello Point for birding?
The best months to visit Elephant Butte Lake State Park - North Monticello Point for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - North Monticello Point?
Notable species at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - North Monticello Point include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - North Monticello Point?
Birding at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - North Monticello Point is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - North Monticello Point?
Elephant Butte Lake State Park - North Monticello Point offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.