River/Riparian birding habitat

Las Animas Creek

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Las Animas Creek is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

4/18/2026Hillsboro (town)1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

4/18/2026Hillsboro (town)1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

4/17/2026Ladder Ranch (No Public Access)1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/17/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Paseo del Rio1 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

4/8/2026Hillsboro (town)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gambel's Quail

34/14/2026

Mourning Dove

34/14/2026

Greater Roadrunner

24/14/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

14/14/2026

Golden Eagle

44/14/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

14/14/2026

Gray Flycatcher

14/14/2026

Say's Phoebe

24/14/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

24/14/2026

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

34/14/2026

Chihuahuan Raven

34/14/2026

Verdin

14/14/2026

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher

14/14/2026

Rock Wren

24/14/2026

Cactus Wren

14/14/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/14/2026

House Finch

34/14/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/14/2026

Black-throated Sparrow

34/14/2026

Rufous-crowned Sparrow

24/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Las Animas Creek for birding?
The best months to visit Las Animas Creek for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Las Animas Creek?
Notable species at Las Animas Creek include Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, Acorn Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Las Animas Creek?
Birding at Las Animas Creek is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Las Animas Creek?
Las Animas Creek offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.