Percha Dam State Park

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

$5 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, 7 AM - 9 PM

About This Location

Percha Dam State Park is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 329 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral 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

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

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

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

2/23/2026Percha Dam SP1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

153/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

13/5/2026

Gadwall

23/5/2026

American Wigeon

33/5/2026

White-winged Dove

53/5/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Black Phoebe

23/5/2026

Say's Phoebe

13/5/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

23/5/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

23/5/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

33/5/2026

Bewick's Wren

13/5/2026

Western Bluebird

23/5/2026

American Robin

43/5/2026

House Finch

53/5/2026

American Goldfinch

13/5/2026

Chipping Sparrow

53/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

63/5/2026

White-throated Sparrow

13/5/2026

Lincoln's Sparrow

13/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

  4. 4

    Purchase your day pass online in advance to avoid wait times at the entrance station.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Percha Dam State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Percha Dam State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Percha Dam State Park?
Notable species at Percha Dam State Park include Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, White-winged Dove, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Bewick's Wren. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Percha Dam State Park?
Birding at Percha Dam State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Percha Dam State Park?
The entrance fee at Percha Dam State Park is $5 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, 7 AM - 9 PM.
What amenities are available at Percha Dam State Park?
Percha Dam State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.