Wetland birding habitat

Las Palomas Marsh

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Las Palomas Marsh is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, and American White Pelican 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

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

4/17/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Long Point1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/17/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Long Point1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/17/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Long Point1 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

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

4/16/2026Elephant Butte SP - Long Point1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

4/9/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Long Point2 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

4/9/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Long Point3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Raven

14/16/2026

Rock Pigeon

24/15/2026

American Barn Owl

14/15/2026

Bullock's Oriole

14/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/14/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

14/13/2026

White-winged Dove

24/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/13/2026

Barn Swallow

44/13/2026

Northern Mockingbird

24/13/2026

House Sparrow

64/13/2026

Wood Duck

24/13/2026

Blue-winged Teal

34/13/2026

Cinnamon Teal

164/13/2026

Mexican Duck

24/13/2026

Gambel's Quail

64/13/2026

Mourning Dove

24/13/2026

Killdeer

14/13/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

674/13/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Palomas Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Las Palomas Marsh for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Las Palomas Marsh?
Notable species at Las Palomas Marsh include White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, American White Pelican, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Las Palomas Marsh?
Birding at Las Palomas Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Las Palomas Marsh?
Las Palomas Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.