Desert birding habitat

Ohkay Owingeh Fishing Lakes

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Ohkay Owingeh Fishing Lakes is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 239 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

5/31/2026Upper Los Alamos Canyon1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

5/31/2026Upper Los Alamos Canyon1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/29/2026River Trail between Blue Dot Trail and the County Line Bosque1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

5/26/20266th Street Pond1 observed

American Dipper

Cinclus mexicanus

5/24/2026Cundiyo Bridge1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

85/29/2026

Mallard

85/29/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

25/29/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

15/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

105/29/2026

Great Egret

45/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/29/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/29/2026

Black Phoebe

15/29/2026

Plumbeous Vireo

35/29/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

45/29/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

65/29/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/29/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

35/29/2026

Mourning Dove

25/29/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

15/29/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/29/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/29/2026

Northern Flicker

25/29/2026

American Kestrel

15/29/2026

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 Ohkay Owingeh Fishing Lakes for birding?
The best months to visit Ohkay Owingeh Fishing Lakes for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Ohkay Owingeh Fishing Lakes?
Notable species at Ohkay Owingeh Fishing Lakes include Cactus Wren, Greater Roadrunner, Gambel's Quail, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ohkay Owingeh Fishing Lakes?
Birding at Ohkay Owingeh Fishing Lakes is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ohkay Owingeh Fishing Lakes?
Ohkay Owingeh Fishing Lakes offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.