Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Paseo del Rio

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Paseo del Rio is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 275 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Cinnamon Teal

43/4/2026

Northern Shoveler

23/4/2026

Gadwall

123/4/2026

American Wigeon

33/4/2026

Mallard

43/4/2026

Mexican Duck

43/4/2026

Green-winged Teal

23/4/2026

White-winged Dove

93/4/2026

American Coot

43/4/2026

Killdeer

13/4/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

13/4/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

23/4/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

13/4/2026

Great Egret

23/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/4/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Black Phoebe

13/4/2026

Say's Phoebe

13/4/2026

Verdin

13/4/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/4/2026

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 - Paseo del Rio for birding?
The best months to visit Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Paseo del Rio 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 - Paseo del Rio?
Notable species at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Paseo del Rio include Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Paseo del Rio?
Birding at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Paseo del Rio 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 - Paseo del Rio?
Elephant Butte Lake State Park - Paseo del Rio offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.