Storrie Lake SP

Tips for Birding

Birders should not record for the riparian hotspot, Storrie Lake--SW Riparian Area, birds seen in other park areas;  you may consider as the eastern entry point to the riparian area the River Campground directional sign on the intersection of the main road through the park, the road through the South Campground, and the road to the State Forestry buildings. It is helpful if birders will record in their checklist effort description where they birded;  the 5 campground names are good references for comments associated with individual observations. 

Birds of Interest

All year:  Clark's Grebe, Ring-billed Gull, Horned Lark

Summer:  Spotted Sandpiper, Lesser Goldfinch

Winter:  Common Loon, Bald Eagle

Over 20 species of duck may be observed October-March. Mountain Bluebirds are seen most months, except June-August.

About Storrie Lake State Park

See all hotspots at Storrie Lake State Park

This serene lake offers great opportunities for fishing, bird watching, and windsurfing.

The park entrance is about four miles north of Las Vegas, off the west side of NM-518. North of the entrance, NM-518 continues across the 1400-foot-long earthen dam (completed in 1921) that retains the water in Storrie Lake, which covers 1,100 acres. There is a small pull-out on the west side of NM-518, at the north end of the dam, where anglers not wanting to pay the day-use fee sometimes park and clamber down to the shore. Despite the decade-long drought, lake levels have remained fairly consistent. 

Water from the Gallinas River is diverted for storage in the lake, serving es as an integral part of the irrigation system for surrounding areas, including Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge. The diversion intake area forms a separate, more-specific riparian area hotspot, Storrie Lake--SW Riparian Area, in the southwestern portion of the 81 acres of parkland, near the Gallinas or River Campground. The park includes 5 separate campgrounds on the east side of the lake, although not all may be open;  the Gallinas Campground near the riparian area is the one most often closed. Note that as of May 2023, the bridge across the diversion intake is closed;  though the official park map shows a road crossing the channel, not only are vehicles prohibited, the bridge is unsafe even for foot traffic.

Both deciduous and coniferous trees are found throughout the grassy areas of the campgrounds, and around the park visitor center.

The park gate may be closed other than during "business" hours, which are:
October-March 7 am to 5 pm
April-September 6 am to 9 pm

Notable Trails

The AllTrails website has a description and map of a hike at Storrie Lake State Park.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Entrance fee

  • Roadside viewing

Content from Storrie Lake State Park Official Website, Tour of Storrie Lake State Park webpage, Northeast New Mexico Birding and Nature Trail, and John Montgomery

Last updated May 18, 2023