The Birding Hub

The Birding Hub

Las Palomas Marsh

New Mexico · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

FallWinterSpring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Las Palomas Marsh is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, and American White Pelican among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

White-winged Dove Mourning Dove American White Pelican Red-naped Sapsucker Ladder-backed Woodpecker

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

3/5/2026Paseo del Rio Park1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

3/5/2026Percha Dam SP1 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

3/1/2026395 Animas Creek Road 11 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

2/28/2026Ladder Ranch (No Public Access)2 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

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

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

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

2/26/2026Percha Dam SP1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

2/25/2026EBL Rattlesnake Island1 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

2/24/2026395 Animas Creek Road 11 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

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

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

2/23/2026Percha Dam SP1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

2/23/2026Percha Dam SP1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

2/23/2026Percha Dam SP1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

2/23/2026Percha Dam SP1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

2/23/2026Percha Dam SP1 observed

Snowy Plover

Anarhynchus nivosus

2/22/2026Elephant Butte Lake SP--Lyon's Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

White-winged Dove

Las Palomas Marsh

3/1/2026

5 birds

Mourning Dove

Las Palomas Marsh

3/1/2026

1 birds

American White Pelican

Las Palomas Marsh

3/1/2026

8 birds

Red-naped Sapsucker

Las Palomas Marsh

3/1/2026

1 birds

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

Las Palomas Marsh

3/1/2026

4 birds

Northern Flicker

Las Palomas Marsh

3/1/2026

1 birds

Vermilion Flycatcher

Las Palomas Marsh

3/1/2026

2 birds

Verdin

Las Palomas Marsh

3/1/2026

2 birds

Brown Creeper

Las Palomas Marsh

3/1/2026

2 birds

Bewick's Wren

Las Palomas Marsh

3/1/2026

3 birds

American Robin

Las Palomas Marsh

3/1/2026

1 birds

House Finch

Las Palomas Marsh

3/1/2026

2 birds

Lesser Goldfinch

Las Palomas Marsh

3/1/2026

10 birds

American Goldfinch

Las Palomas Marsh

3/1/2026

2 birds

Chipping Sparrow

Las Palomas Marsh

3/1/2026

3 birds

Dark-eyed Junco

Las Palomas Marsh

3/1/2026

10 birds

Spotted Towhee

Las Palomas Marsh

3/1/2026

1 birds

Red-winged Blackbird

Las Palomas Marsh

3/1/2026

8 birds

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Las Palomas Marsh

3/1/2026

30 birds

Killdeer

Las Palomas Marsh

2/23/2026

1 birds

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
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.

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 Palomas Marsh for birding?▼

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

What birds can I see at Las Palomas Marsh?▼

Notable species at Las Palomas Marsh include White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, American White Pelican, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker. The area supports wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Las Palomas Marsh?▼

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

What amenities are available at Las Palomas Marsh?▼

Las Palomas Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.