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

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/13/2026Caballo Lake SP1 observed

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

Gambel's Quail

27/12/2026

White-winged Dove

117/12/2026

Common Nighthawk

27/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/12/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Black Phoebe

17/12/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

27/12/2026

Western Kingbird

17/12/2026

Bell's Vireo

27/12/2026

Verdin

17/12/2026

Barn Swallow

57/12/2026

Cliff Swallow

47/12/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

17/12/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

17/12/2026

Bullock's Oriole

17/12/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

57/12/2026

Lucy's Warbler

37/12/2026

Blue Grosbeak

17/12/2026

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.