Desert birding habitat

Leasburg Dam State Park

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Leasburg Dam State Park is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 258 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Gadwall, Mallard, and Gambel's Quail 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

Western Wood-Pewee

Contopus sordidulus

4/17/2026Picacho Hills1 observed

Anna's Hummingbird

Calypte anna

4/16/2026East of Las Cruces Dam1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

4/16/2026Jornada Experimental Range Research Center (restricted access)21 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

4/15/2026La Llorona Trail Extension1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/15/2026La Llorona Trail Extension1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

4/12/2026La Llorona Trail Extension1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/12/2026La Llorona Trail Extension1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

4/9/2026Mesilla Valley Bosque SP1 observed

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

4/9/2026Mesilla Valley Bosque SP1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

4/7/2026West Mesa WTP, Las Cruces1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

84/16/2026

Say's Phoebe

24/16/2026

Common Raven

24/16/2026

Verdin

24/16/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

14/16/2026

House Sparrow

44/16/2026

House Finch

24/16/2026

Lucy's Warbler

14/16/2026

Pyrrhuloxia

14/16/2026

Gambel's Quail

94/16/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/16/2026

White-winged Dove

164/16/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

14/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/16/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Cliff Swallow

184/16/2026

Crissal Thrasher

14/16/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/16/2026

Swainson's Thrush

14/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

24/16/2026

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 Leasburg Dam State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Leasburg Dam State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Leasburg Dam State Park?
Notable species at Leasburg Dam State Park include Gadwall, Mallard, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Leasburg Dam State Park?
Birding at Leasburg Dam State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Leasburg Dam State Park?
Leasburg Dam State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.