Forest birding habitat

Gila National Forest - Lake Roberts

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
ForestLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Gila National Forest - Lake Roberts is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 263 species recorded on eBird. This forest and lake habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Mexican Duck 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

Greater Pewee

Contopus pertinax

4/17/2026Gila NF--Little Cherry Creek Road and Trail1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

4/16/2026Yard!1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

4/14/2026Gila NF--Cherry Creek Campground1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

4/14/2026Kilimanjaro Ct.1 observed

Red-faced Warbler

Cardellina rubrifrons

4/14/2026Gila NF--Cherry Creek Campground1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

4/14/2026Gila NF--Lake Roberts2 observed

Downy Woodpecker

Dryobates pubescens

4/11/2026Cooney Rd, Mimbres US-NM 33.04266, -107.979561 observed

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

4/10/2026Gila NF--Sheep Corral Canyon Rd.2 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

4/6/2026Kilimanjaro Ct.1 observed

Virginia's Warbler

Leiothlypis virginiae

4/5/2026Gila NF--Little Cherry Creek Road and Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

14/14/2026

Cinnamon Teal

24/14/2026

American Wigeon

14/14/2026

Mallard

94/14/2026

Mexican Duck

24/14/2026

Bufflehead

54/14/2026

Ruddy Duck

524/14/2026

Gambel's Quail

134/14/2026

Wild Turkey

64/14/2026

White-winged Dove

34/14/2026

Mourning Dove

54/14/2026

White-throated Swift

24/14/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

54/14/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

34/14/2026

American Coot

274/14/2026

Killdeer

24/14/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

14/14/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

34/14/2026

Western Grebe

14/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Gila National Forest - Lake Roberts for birding?
The best months to visit Gila National Forest - Lake Roberts for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Gila National Forest - Lake Roberts?
Notable species at Gila National Forest - Lake Roberts include Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Mexican Duck, Bufflehead, Common Merganser. The area supports forest, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Gila National Forest - Lake Roberts?
Birding at Gila National Forest - Lake Roberts is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Gila National Forest - Lake Roberts?
Gila National Forest - Lake Roberts offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.