Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Main Marina

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Main Marina is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Ring-billed Gull, Western Grebe, and Clark's Grebe 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

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

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

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

2/25/2026EBL Rattlesnake Island1 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

Ring-billed Gull

53/1/2026

Western Grebe

33/1/2026

Clark's Grebe

63/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/1/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

13/1/2026

Canada Goose

22/27/2026

White-winged Dove

62/27/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

12/27/2026

Horned Grebe

32/27/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

32/27/2026

Rock Wren

22/27/2026

American Pipit

12/27/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

152/27/2026

Gambel's Quail

12/26/2026

Greater Roadrunner

22/26/2026

American Coot

92/26/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

12/26/2026

American Crow

22/26/2026

Common Merganser

12/23/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

22/23/2026

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 Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Main Marina for birding?
The best months to visit Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Main Marina for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Main Marina?
Notable species at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Main Marina include Ring-billed Gull, Western Grebe, Clark's Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Great-tailed Grackle. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Main Marina?
Birding at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Main Marina is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Main Marina?
Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Main Marina offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.