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

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

7/20/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--South Monticello Point1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

7/17/2026EBL Cedar Canyon1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

7/17/2026Caballo Lake SP--Riverside Recreation Area (below dam)2 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/13/2026Caballo Lake SP1 observed

Song Sparrow (fallax Group)

Melospiza melodia

7/13/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--South Monticello Point3 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/13/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Long Point1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

47/15/2026

Mourning Dove

17/15/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

17/15/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/15/2026

Great Horned Owl

17/15/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

17/15/2026

Willow Flycatcher

47/15/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

17/15/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

37/15/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

27/15/2026

Summer Tanager

27/15/2026

Lesser Nighthawk

17/14/2026

Great Egret

17/10/2026

Swainson's Hawk

17/10/2026

Verdin

27/10/2026

Western Meadowlark

27/10/2026

Gambel's Quail

47/10/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/10/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/10/2026

Black Phoebe

17/10/2026

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.