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

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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

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

4/17/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Long Point1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/17/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Long Point1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/17/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Long Point1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/17/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Paseo del Rio1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

4/16/2026Elephant Butte SP - Long Point1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

4/9/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Long Point2 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

4/9/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Long Point3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/17/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/17/2026

Northern Shoveler

24/17/2026

American Wigeon

14/17/2026

Mexican Duck

24/17/2026

Gambel's Quail

34/17/2026

White-winged Dove

254/17/2026

Mourning Dove

24/17/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

14/17/2026

Killdeer

24/17/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

14/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/17/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Black Phoebe

14/17/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

34/17/2026

Western Kingbird

54/17/2026

Bell's Vireo

34/17/2026

Common Raven

14/17/2026

Verdin

14/17/2026

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.