Caballo Lake State Park

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Caballo Lake State Park is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, and Green-winged Teal 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

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

3/5/2026Paseo del Rio Park1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

3/5/2026Percha Dam SP1 observed

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

3/4/2026JK Hill-Hillsboro US-NM (32.9207,-107.5756)1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

3/3/2026JK Hill Hillsboro NM1 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

2/28/2026Ladder Ranch (No Public Access)2 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

2/27/20263800–4036 E Third Ave, Truth or Consequences US-NM1 observed

Violet-green Swallow

Tachycineta thalassina

2/27/2026Water Tank Rd, Hillsboro US-NM (32.9247,-107.5694)1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

2/26/2026Percha Dam SP1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

2/25/2026EBL Rattlesnake Island1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

2/23/2026Percha Dam SP1 observed

Snowy Plover

Anarhynchus nivosus

2/22/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Lyon's Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Pintail

43/6/2026

Bufflehead

33/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

153/6/2026

American Coot

93/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

83/6/2026

Western Grebe

23/6/2026

Clark's Grebe

13/6/2026

American White Pelican

303/6/2026

Northern Flicker

13/6/2026

Say's Phoebe

13/6/2026

Chipping Sparrow

23/6/2026

Black-throated Sparrow

23/6/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

13/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

22/23/2026

Gadwall

22/23/2026

Green-winged Teal

12/23/2026

Sandhill Crane

352/23/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

12/23/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

12/23/2026

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 Caballo Lake State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Caballo Lake State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Caballo Lake State Park?
Notable species at Caballo Lake State Park include Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, American Coot, Sandhill Crane. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Caballo Lake State Park?
Birding at Caballo 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 Caballo Lake State Park?
Caballo Lake State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.