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

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

5/26/2026Keystone Heritage Park (FWTX 6)1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

5/26/2026Keystone Heritage Park (FWTX 6)1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

5/24/2026Fred Hervey WTP (FWTX 4)2 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

5/24/2026Keystone Heritage Park (FWTX 6)1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/23/2026Parque Central Hermanos Escobar1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/23/2026Parque Central Hermanos Escobar1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/18/2026My Yard1 observed

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna bicolor

5/16/2026Fred Hervey WTP (FWTX 4)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

95/27/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

35/27/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/27/2026

Verdin

15/27/2026

House Sparrow

15/27/2026

House Finch

55/27/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

75/27/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

45/27/2026

Mourning Dove

25/27/2026

Western Kingbird

15/27/2026

Gambel's Quail

25/27/2026

Rock Pigeon

25/27/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/27/2026

Inca Dove

15/27/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

25/27/2026

Northern Mockingbird

55/27/2026

Mexican Duck

65/26/2026

Ring-necked Duck

15/26/2026

Ruddy Duck

125/26/2026

Common Gallinule

15/26/2026

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.