Desert birding habitat

Vaughn WTP & Woodlot

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Vaughn WTP & Woodlot is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Red-tailed Hawk, Mountain Bluebird, and House Finch 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

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/23/2026Penny's Diner1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/21/2026Vaughn WTP & Woodlot1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

5/15/2026Vaughn WTP & Woodlot1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

5/15/2026Encino Catholic Cemetery2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Scaled Quail

35/21/2026

Rock Pigeon

15/21/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

45/21/2026

Mourning Dove

65/21/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

15/21/2026

Black-necked Stilt

15/21/2026

Killdeer

35/21/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

55/21/2026

Snowy Egret

15/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/21/2026

Ferruginous Hawk

15/21/2026

Olive-sided Flycatcher

15/21/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

35/21/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/21/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

15/21/2026

Western Kingbird

45/21/2026

Barn Swallow

55/21/2026

Cliff Swallow

25/21/2026

House Sparrow

25/21/2026

House Finch

65/21/2026

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 Vaughn WTP & Woodlot for birding?
The best months to visit Vaughn WTP & Woodlot for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Vaughn WTP & Woodlot?
Notable species at Vaughn WTP & Woodlot include Red-tailed Hawk, Mountain Bluebird, House Finch, Song Sparrow, Great-tailed Grackle. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Vaughn WTP & Woodlot?
Birding at Vaughn WTP & Woodlot is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Vaughn WTP & Woodlot?
Vaughn WTP & Woodlot offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.