Desert birding habitat

J Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

J Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, and Mallard 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 Scaup

Aythya marila

4/12/2026Bitter Lake NWR1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

4/11/2026Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Roswell US-NM 33.43801, -104.407792 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

4/11/2026Bottomless Lakes SP1 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

4/10/2026Bitter Lake NWR - Unit 71 observed

Cave Swallow

Petrochelidon fulva

4/9/2026Bitter Lake NWR1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

4/8/2026Bitter Lake NWR1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

4/8/2026Bitter Lake NWR1 observed

Glossy x White-faced Ibis (hybrid)

Plegadis falcinellus x chihi

4/8/2026Bitter Lake NWR1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

24/7/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

34/7/2026

White-winged Dove

354/7/2026

Mourning Dove

34/7/2026

American Coot

14/7/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/7/2026

European Starling

104/7/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

14/7/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/7/2026

Townsend's Solitaire

14/7/2026

House Sparrow

504/7/2026

House Finch

154/7/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

74/7/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

14/7/2026

Vesper Sparrow

14/7/2026

Lincoln's Sparrow

34/7/2026

Spotted Towhee

14/7/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

44/7/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

304/7/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

24/7/2026

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 J Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit J Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at J Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary?
Notable species at J Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, White-winged Dove, Northern Flicker. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at J Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary?
Birding at J Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at J Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary?
J Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.