Las Animas Creek

New Mexico · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

River/Riparian

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Las Animas Creek is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, and Red-tailed Hawk among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Gambel's Quail White-winged Dove Red-tailed Hawk Acorn Woodpecker Ladder-backed Woodpecker

Live Bird Data

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

2/23/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Lyon's Beach1 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

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

2/22/2026Water Tank Rd, Hillsboro US-NM (32.9247,-107.5694)1 observed

Birding Tips

1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in New Mexico

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

Rio Grande refuge renowned for spectacular Sandhill Crane and Snow Goose flyouts.

Acomita Lake

Lake birding hotspot in New Mexico with 201 recorded species.

Belen Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in New Mexico with 205 recorded species.

New Mexico Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in New Mexico →

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Las Animas Creek for birding?▼

The best months to visit Las Animas Creek for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Las Animas Creek?▼

Notable species at Las Animas Creek include Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, Acorn Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker. The area supports river/riparian habitats.

How difficult is birding at Las Animas Creek?▼

Birding at Las Animas Creek is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Las Animas Creek?▼

Las Animas Creek offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.