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

Lucifer Hummingbird

Calothorax lucifer

7/13/2026Private residence1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

7/12/2026Gila NF--Lake Roberts2 observed

Downy Woodpecker

Dryobates pubescens

7/8/2026Mimbres Wildlife Management Area (new state proerty) NM-35, Mimbres US-NM 32.86504, -107.983681 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

7/6/2026Yard!1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

17/12/2026

American Coot

57/12/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

17/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

197/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

87/12/2026

Bald Eagle

27/12/2026

Violet-green Swallow

17/12/2026

Purple Martin

17/12/2026

Barn Swallow

17/12/2026

American Robin

17/12/2026

Spotted Towhee

17/12/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

27/12/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/12/2026

American Avocet

7/6/2026

Killdeer

27/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

27/6/2026

Phainopepla

17/6/2026

Savannah Sparrow

17/6/2026

Gambel's Quail

17/4/2026

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.