Lake birding habitat

Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Paseo del Rio

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Paseo del Rio is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 275 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

5/31/2026Elephant 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

Gambel's Quail

16/1/2026

White-winged Dove

216/1/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

16/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

26/1/2026

Snowy Egret

36/1/2026

Great Egret

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Black Phoebe

16/1/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

26/1/2026

Western Kingbird

36/1/2026

Bell's Vireo

16/1/2026

Common Raven

16/1/2026

Verdin

46/1/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

126/1/2026

Barn Swallow

46/1/2026

Cliff Swallow

76/1/2026

Phainopepla

26/1/2026

House Sparrow

16/1/2026

House Finch

106/1/2026

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 - Paseo del Rio for birding?
The best months to visit Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Paseo del Rio 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 - Paseo del Rio?
Notable species at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Paseo del Rio include Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Paseo del Rio?
Birding at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Paseo del Rio 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 - Paseo del Rio?
Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Paseo del Rio offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.