Lake birding habitat

McAllister Lake Wildlife Management Area

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

McAllister Lake Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, and Mallard 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

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/31/2026McAllister Lake WMA1 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

5/27/2026Las Vegas NWR1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/24/2026McAllister Lake WMA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

25/31/2026

Blue-winged Teal

25/31/2026

Cinnamon Teal

45/31/2026

Redhead

25/31/2026

Ruddy Duck

135/31/2026

American Coot

225/31/2026

Eared Grebe

85/31/2026

Western Grebe

45/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

45/31/2026

Snowy Egret

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/31/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

15/31/2026

Common Raven

15/31/2026

Horned Lark

15/31/2026

Violet-green Swallow

45/31/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/31/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

Lark Sparrow

35/31/2026

Western Meadowlark

95/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit McAllister Lake Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit McAllister Lake Wildlife Management Area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at McAllister Lake Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at McAllister Lake Wildlife Management Area include Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at McAllister Lake Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at McAllister Lake Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at McAllister Lake Wildlife Management Area?
McAllister Lake Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.