Sun shines over a rugged landscape.

Percha Dam State Park

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

$5 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, 7 AM - 9 PM

About This Location

Percha Dam State Park is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 329 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Anna's Hummingbird

Calypte anna

7/19/2026JK Hill-Hillsboro US-NM (32.9207,-107.5756)1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

7/17/2026Caballo Lake SP--Riverside Recreation Area (below dam)2 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/13/2026Caballo Lake SP1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

7/11/2026Hillsboro (town)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gambel's Quail

17/15/2026

White-winged Dove

207/15/2026

Mourning Dove

27/15/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

27/15/2026

Killdeer

17/15/2026

Common Black Hawk

17/15/2026

Great Horned Owl

17/15/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

27/15/2026

American Kestrel

17/15/2026

Western Kingbird

17/15/2026

Barn Swallow

27/15/2026

Cliff Swallow

67/15/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/15/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

17/15/2026

American Robin

17/15/2026

House Finch

27/15/2026

Bullock's Oriole

17/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/15/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

17/15/2026

Summer Tanager

37/15/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Purchase your day pass online in advance to avoid wait times at the entrance station.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Percha Dam State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Percha Dam State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Percha Dam State Park?
Notable species at Percha Dam State Park include Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, White-winged Dove, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Bewick's Wren. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Percha Dam State Park?
Birding at Percha Dam State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Percha Dam State Park?
The entrance fee at Percha Dam State Park is $5 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, 7 AM - 9 PM.
What amenities are available at Percha Dam State Park?
Percha Dam State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.