Lake birding habitat

Elephant Butte Lake State Park - South Monticello Point

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Elephant Butte Lake State Park - South Monticello Point is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Snow Goose, Sandhill Crane, and Neotropic Cormorant 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

Elf Owl

Micrathene whitneyi

4/7/2026S. Socorro County Bosque near Sierra Line1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Coot

54/17/2026

Snowy Plover

24/17/2026

Least Sandpiper

54/17/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

54/17/2026

Franklin's Gull

14/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

124/17/2026

California Gull

14/17/2026

Western Grebe

204/17/2026

Clark's Grebe

24/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

34/17/2026

Osprey

14/17/2026

Say's Phoebe

14/17/2026

Common Raven

24/17/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

14/17/2026

Lesser Scaup

14/17/2026

Ruddy Duck

24/17/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

14/17/2026

Caspian Tern

34/17/2026

American White Pelican

104/17/2026

Western Kingbird

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 - South Monticello Point for birding?
The best months to visit Elephant Butte Lake State Park - South 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 - South Monticello Point?
Notable species at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - South Monticello Point include Snow Goose, Sandhill Crane, Neotropic Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, American White Pelican. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - South Monticello Point?
Birding at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - South 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 - South Monticello Point?
Elephant Butte Lake State Park - South Monticello Point offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.