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

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

5/30/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Long Point1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

5/28/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Three Sisters Point1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/28/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Three Sisters Point1 observed

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

Myiarchus tuberculifer

5/27/2026Indian Springs1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

5/27/2026Indian Springs2 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/20/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Paseo del Rio1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/19/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Three Sisters Point1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

35/25/2026

Cinnamon Teal

45/25/2026

Gadwall

45/25/2026

Green-winged Teal

65/25/2026

White-winged Dove

15/25/2026

American Coot

45/25/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

105/25/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/25/2026

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.