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

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

7/12/2026Picacho Hills4 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/12/2026Picacho Hills1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

7/10/2026Seldon Canyon/Radium Springs2 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

7/9/2026West Mesa WTP, Las Cruces1 observed

Anna's Hummingbird

Calypte anna

7/4/2026My Yard1 observed

Willow Flycatcher (Southwestern)

Empidonax traillii

7/2/2026La Llorona Trail Extension1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-chinned Hummingbird

27/12/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Black Phoebe

7/12/2026

Verdin

17/12/2026

Cave Swallow

87/12/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/12/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

17/12/2026

Blue Grosbeak

27/12/2026

Painted Bunting

17/12/2026

White-winged Dove

127/5/2026

Mourning Dove

57/5/2026

Cliff Swallow

67/5/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

17/5/2026

House Sparrow

87/5/2026

Spotted Towhee

17/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/5/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

17/5/2026

Gambel's Quail

17/5/2026

Barn Swallow

27/5/2026

House Finch

17/5/2026

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.