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

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/13/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Long Point1 observed

Lark Bunting

Calamospiza melanocorys

7/11/2026Armendaris Ranch (restricted access)1 observed

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

7/8/2026Rio Grande, Truth Or Consequences US-NM 33.35160, -107.174583 observed

Song Sparrow (fallax Group)

Melospiza melodia

7/7/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--South Monticello Point1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

7/3/2026Elephant Butte SP - Long Point1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

6/30/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Three Sisters Point7 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

17/6/2026

Mourning Dove

27/6/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/6/2026

Northern Flicker

17/6/2026

Willow Flycatcher

37/6/2026

Black Phoebe

17/6/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

27/6/2026

Western Kingbird

17/6/2026

Bell's Vireo

37/6/2026

Common Raven

27/6/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

47/6/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/6/2026

House Finch

27/6/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

17/6/2026

Song Sparrow

17/6/2026

Spotted Towhee

77/6/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

107/6/2026

Bullock's Oriole

17/6/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

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 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.