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

Loading map...

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

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

7/21/2026Upper Los Alamos Canyon1 observed

Lark Bunting

Calamospiza melanocorys

7/21/2026Canyon Rim Trail1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

7/20/2026Upper Los Alamos Canyon2 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

7/20/2026Nambé Falls, Picnic Area and Campground8 observed

American Dipper

Cinclus mexicanus

7/19/2026Nambé Falls, Picnic Area and Campground1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

7/18/2026Upper Los Alamos Canyon1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/18/2026Upper Los Alamos Canyon1 observed

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

7/18/2026Upper Los Alamos Canyon4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-tailed Hawk

17/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/18/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

37/12/2026

Common Raven

27/11/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

47/11/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

57/11/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

27/11/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/11/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

17/11/2026

Black-billed Magpie

67/11/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/11/2026

Violet-green Swallow

67/11/2026

House Sparrow

227/11/2026

House Finch

77/11/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

67/11/2026

Chipping Sparrow

27/11/2026

Lark Sparrow

47/11/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

27/11/2026

Bullock's Oriole

37/11/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/11/2026

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.