East of Las Cruces Dam

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

East of Las Cruces Dam is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 235 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, 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

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/6/2026Baylor Canyon Dr, Las Cruces US-NM 32.33871, -106.619263 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

3/6/2026La Llorona Trail Extension1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

3/5/2026Levee Rd. Pond1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/3/2026Selden Drain Habitat Restoration1 observed

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus

2/28/2026Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks NM--Aguirre Spring RA Pine Tree Trail1 observed

Osprey (American)

Pandion haliaetus

2/28/2026Leasburg Dam SP1 observed

Dusky Flycatcher

Empidonax oberholseri

2/28/2026La Llorona Trail Extension1 observed

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

2/27/202616125A Old Organ Main St, Organ US-NM 32.42614, -106.598141 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

2/25/2026Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, Mesilla US-NM 32.26089, -106.823791 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

103/5/2026

Mourning Dove

73/5/2026

Greater Roadrunner

13/5/2026

American Coot

33/5/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

453/5/2026

Marsh Wren

23/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

113/5/2026

Canada Goose

23/2/2026

Gadwall

123/2/2026

Green-winged Teal

43/2/2026

Ruddy Duck

13/2/2026

Gambel's Quail

33/2/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

13/2/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

23/2/2026

Killdeer

33/2/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

23/2/2026

Cooper's Hawk

23/2/2026

Northern Harrier

13/2/2026

Black Phoebe

23/2/2026

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

43/2/2026

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 East of Las Cruces Dam for birding?
The best months to visit East of Las Cruces Dam for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at East of Las Cruces Dam?
Notable species at East of Las Cruces Dam include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, Ruddy Duck, Gambel's Quail. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at East of Las Cruces Dam?
Birding at East of Las Cruces Dam is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at East of Las Cruces Dam?
East of Las Cruces Dam offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.