This hotspot contains four distinct areas:
1) visitor center and campground, including entrance road from the gate to the visitor center;
2) ranch house and road from the campground to the ranch house (to which access is often restricted);
3) Riparian Nature Trail; and
4) Dog Canyon Trail.

The last two areas are their own distinct hotspots. Given the recent state of the lower Nature Trail, which may force an exit from Dog Canyon arroyo at the group campsite, recording group site observations for the Nature Trail hotspot or general park hotspot is problematic. Birders are encouraged to be as specific as possible with respect to where they make their observations, and not to record for the Nature Trail or Dog Canyon Trail observations made elsewhere in the park. However, birders visiting multiple areas of the park may find it easiest to record all their sightings for the general park hotspot.

That general hotspot is the only one to include the main campground, ranch house, and road to the ranch house. The trailheads for the Dog Canyon Trail and Riparian Nature Trail are directly behind the Visitor Center, but observations close to the Visitor Center should typically be recorded for the general park hotspot. It is helpful if you record in your “Date and Effort Checklist Comments” where specifically you birded. 

The larger trees near the visitor center are a good place to spot Ladder-backed Woodpecker, other woodpecker species being uncommon in the park. Do spend some time examining the garden southwest of the visitor center. In addition to more common species such as White-winged Dove, House Finch, and Curve-billed Thrasher, you may seasonally find Black-chinned Hummingbird, Townsend’s Warbler, Warbling Vireo, and Wilson’s Warbler here.

Scott’s Oriole, Say’s Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Black-throated Sparrow, and Canyon Towhee may be observed throughout the summer, with Common Raven and Bronzed Cowbird more prevalent in early summer. Black-headed Grosbeak and Pyrrhuloxia are sometimes during the summer hard to find, at other times easy. Cactus Wrens seem to appear late (July). If you find a gnatcatcher, it is likely Blue-gray. Western Tanagers are observed in the campground, though you may have better luck on the Nature Trail.

With the exception of Turkey Vultures, raptor observations are largely uncommon in the campground, though Great-horned Owls may be heard in the distance. Consider yourself lucky to observe American Kestrel and even Loggerhead Shrike here.

Directly after sunset, seasonally look for Lesser Nighthawks and Common Poorwills. The former sometimes land on the roads, whereas the latter can be heard in the eastern area of the campground, where the bajada rises up to the escarpment.

Note that near campsite 40, west of where the road to the ranch house begins at the south end of the campground, an old bathtub into which water drips is located a few feet south of the barbed wire fence. Crossing the fence is prohibited, as this is actually Department of Defense property. However, with care, you can approach the fence for a good view. Scaled Quail frequent this area.

It is most helpful when submitting eBird observations at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park to start a new checklist for each hotspot within the state park. Use this general hotspot when you have a checklist that includes multiple locations or there was not a hotspot or personal location appropriate for your sightings.

Set against the dramatic Sacramento Mountains, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park features a historic ranch house, quiet camping in the Chihuahuan Desert, and a unique oasis of pools of water under the cottonwood trees of Dog Canyon.

Enjoy a short walk on the Riparian Nature Trail or a challenging hike up the Dog Canyon Trail.

The AllTrails website has a description and map of a hike at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park.