Six-Mile Dam

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Six-Mile Dam is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, American Wigeon, and Redhead 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

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

2/26/2026Six-Mile Dam2 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

2/22/2026Brantley Lake SP--Rocky Bay10 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

2/21/2026Brantley Lake SP--Rocky Bay3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

23/4/2026

American Wigeon

203/4/2026

Redhead

73/4/2026

Ruddy Duck

13/4/2026

American Coot

153/4/2026

Least Sandpiper

13/4/2026

Snowy Egret

13/4/2026

Great Egret

13/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/4/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/4/2026

Cave Swallow

123/4/2026

Greater Roadrunner

13/3/2026

Sandhill Crane

253/3/2026

Killdeer

13/3/2026

Wilson's Snipe

23/3/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

43/3/2026

Swamp Sparrow

13/3/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

23/3/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

53/3/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Six-Mile Dam for birding?
The best months to visit Six-Mile Dam for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Six-Mile Dam?
Notable species at Six-Mile Dam include Cinnamon Teal, American Wigeon, Redhead, Ruddy Duck, American Coot. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Six-Mile Dam?
Birding at Six-Mile Dam is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Six-Mile Dam?
Six-Mile Dam offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.