Elephant Butte Lake State Park - South Monticello Point

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Elephant Butte Lake State Park - South Monticello Point is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Snow Goose, Sandhill Crane, and Neotropic Cormorant among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Snow Goose

302/27/2026

Sandhill Crane

302/27/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

52/27/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/27/2026

American White Pelican

1052/27/2026

Northern Harrier

32/27/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

502/27/2026

Killdeer

12/27/2026

Great Egret

12/27/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

12/27/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

22/27/2026

Common Raven

12/27/2026

Marsh Wren

12/27/2026

Bewick's Wren

12/27/2026

Crissal Thrasher

12/27/2026

Savannah Sparrow

32/27/2026

Song Sparrow

22/27/2026

Sora

2/21/2026

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 - South Monticello Point for birding?
The best months to visit Elephant Butte Lake State Park - South Monticello Point 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 - South Monticello Point?
Notable species at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - South Monticello Point include Snow Goose, Sandhill Crane, Neotropic Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, American White Pelican. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - South Monticello Point?
Birding at Elephant Butte Lake State Park - South Monticello Point 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 - South Monticello Point?
Elephant Butte Lake State Park - South Monticello Point offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.