Desert birding habitat

Randall's Pool

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Randall's Pool is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 212 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

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

7/12/2026Ascarate Park/Lake2 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

7/12/2026Keystone Heritage Park (FWTX 6)1 observed

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

7/12/2026Keystone Heritage Park (FWTX 6)2 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/11/20265892 Westside Dr, El Paso US-TX (31.8682,-106.6259)1 observed

Least Grebe

Tachybaptus dominicus

7/6/2026Fred Hervey WTP (FWTX 4)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

37/13/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

67/13/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

17/13/2026

House Finch

27/13/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

77/13/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

37/13/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/13/2026

Inca Dove

17/13/2026

Calliope Hummingbird

17/13/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

17/13/2026

Western Kingbird

17/13/2026

Verdin

17/13/2026

Barn Swallow

37/13/2026

House Sparrow

217/13/2026

Red Crossbill

27/13/2026

Hooded Oriole

17/13/2026

Bullock's Oriole

57/13/2026

Mourning Dove

27/13/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

17/12/2026

Northern Mockingbird

37/12/2026

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