Lake birding habitat

Santa Rosa Lake State Park

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Santa Rosa Lake State Park is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 241 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, and Northern Shoveler 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

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/16/2026Santa Rosa Lake SP1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

7/16/2026Santa Rosa Lake SP1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/15/2026Santa Rosa Lake SP1 observed

Clark's Grebe

Aechmophorus clarkii

7/15/2026Santa Rosa Lake SP1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/13/2026The Blue Hole2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

117/16/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/16/2026

White-winged Dove

17/16/2026

Mourning Dove

27/16/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

17/16/2026

Ring-billed Gull

97/16/2026

Western Grebe

57/16/2026

Common Loon

17/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

107/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/16/2026

Osprey

17/16/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

17/16/2026

Say's Phoebe

27/16/2026

Western Kingbird

57/16/2026

Barn Swallow

27/16/2026

Cliff Swallow

37/16/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/16/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/16/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/16/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Santa Rosa Lake State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Santa Rosa Lake State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Santa Rosa Lake State Park?
Notable species at Santa Rosa Lake State Park include Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Santa Rosa Lake State Park?
Birding at Santa Rosa Lake State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Santa Rosa Lake State Park?
Santa Rosa Lake State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.