Desert birding habitat

Holloman Lakes (Closed indefinitely)

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Holloman Lakes (Closed indefinitely) is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 266 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/30/2026Tularosa Sewage Ponds1 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

5/28/2026Tularosa Sewage Ponds1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

5/25/202613 Burn Boulevard, Alamogordo, New Mexico, US (32.942, -105.962)1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

5/21/2026White Sands NP--Visitor Center1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

5/19/2026Tularosa Sewage Ponds1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Say's Phoebe

15/28/2026

Barn Swallow

5/28/2026

House Sparrow

5/28/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

15/28/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/28/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

15/26/2026

Mourning Dove

15/25/2026

Western Kingbird

25/25/2026

Scott's Oriole

15/25/2026

Gray Catbird

15/21/2026

House Finch

45/21/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

35/21/2026

Swainson's Hawk

15/18/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

25/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Holloman Lakes (Closed indefinitely) for birding?
The best months to visit Holloman Lakes (Closed indefinitely) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Holloman Lakes (Closed indefinitely)?
Notable species at Holloman Lakes (Closed indefinitely) include Cactus Wren, Greater Roadrunner, Gambel's Quail, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Holloman Lakes (Closed indefinitely)?
Birding at Holloman Lakes (Closed indefinitely) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Holloman Lakes (Closed indefinitely)?
Holloman Lakes (Closed indefinitely) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.