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

Willow Flycatcher (Southwestern)

Empidonax traillii

5/30/2026La Llorona Trail Extension5 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/30/2026La Llorona Trail Extension1 observed

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

5/28/2026Las Alturas Drive, Las Cruces, New Mexico, US (32.286, -106.737)4 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/24/2026Picacho Hills1 observed

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

5/23/2026Mesilla Valley Bosque SP1 observed

Thick-billed Kingbird

Tyrannus crassirostris

5/23/2026Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, Mesilla US-NM 32.25011, -106.821571 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mexican Duck

85/30/2026

Mallard x Mexican Duck (hybrid)

15/30/2026

Gambel's Quail

75/30/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

65/30/2026

White-winged Dove

3805/30/2026

Mourning Dove

3005/30/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

45/30/2026

American Avocet

25/30/2026

Killdeer

35/30/2026

White-faced Ibis

25/30/2026

Snowy Egret

15/30/2026

Green Heron

25/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

55/30/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

35/30/2026

Black Phoebe

65/30/2026

Western Kingbird

15/30/2026

Bell's Vireo

15/30/2026

Verdin

45/30/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/30/2026

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.