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

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

4/16/2026Hillsboro (town)1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

4/15/2026Ladder Ranch -Tech House (No Public Access)1 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

4/8/2026Hillsboro (town)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bufflehead

14/16/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/16/2026

White-winged Dove

74/16/2026

Mourning Dove

124/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/16/2026

Cooper's Hawk

14/16/2026

Northern Harrier

14/16/2026

Swainson's Hawk

14/16/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

14/16/2026

Western Kingbird

14/16/2026

Common Raven

44/16/2026

Verdin

14/16/2026

Violet-green Swallow

14/16/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

24/16/2026

Bewick's Wren

14/16/2026

European Starling

24/16/2026

Northern Mockingbird

24/16/2026

American Robin

24/16/2026

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.