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

Song Sparrow (fallax Group)

Melospiza melodia

7/13/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--South Monticello Point3 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

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

White-winged Dove

27/13/2026

Mourning Dove

107/13/2026

Lesser Nighthawk

17/13/2026

Virginia Rail

17/13/2026

Least Bittern

17/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/13/2026

Song Sparrow

37/13/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

37/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

127/13/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

37/13/2026

Common Yellowthroat

27/13/2026

Killdeer

17/7/2026

Western Kingbird

17/7/2026

House Finch

57/7/2026

Blue Grosbeak

27/7/2026

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.