D Cochiti Lake 
Cochiti Lake is a Corp of Engineers flood control impoundment that is heavily used for boating and fishing. There are campgrounds on both sides of the lake (only the western one is open during the winter). There are a number of access points to the lake as well as many trails along the shore and cliffs above the lake. The road across the dam may or may not be open. If it is open, there is no place to pull off on the road.

Take exit 264 from I25 onto NM16.

At 3 miles is the turnoff to Tetilla Peak Recreation Area (sign), open April 1 through October 31. After 9.5 miles, turn left at the recreation area and boating ramp sign following the road 0.5 mile to the boat launch area. Turn left on the dirt road. This has several side roads that lead to the lake and are good places to scan for ducks and grebes. There are usually good numbers of Eared Grebe in the spring. Two young cottonwoods may contain warblers, orioles and sparrows. Bluebirds, thrashers, Blue Grosbeak, Say's Phoebe, Kestrel and sparrows can be found on the grassy, cholla, juniper stump hillsides. Follow the road to the end, about 2 miles, looking for shorebirds. In spring, sandpipers, Willet, Long-billed Dowitcher, and Marbled Godwit. An Osprey is frequently over the lake.

If you did not turn at Tetilla Peak or have returned from there, take NM16 to NM22 and stop at the bridge across the Rio Grande. During winter, scan the shores and under the bridge as a Dipper is sometimes present. If the area south of the bridge is open, walk along the bank until you get to Pueblo land. During winter, ducks use the river at this area. Eagles roost in the large cottonwoods along the river.

Continue across the river toward the town of Cochiti Lake. Turn right at the road marked Dam, Headquarters, and campgrounds. Going straight on this road will take you to the campground (on your left), the lookout and trails (on your right) and the lake (straight ahead). [If the dam road is open, you would have taken a right turn just before the headquarters area.] The campground and associated trails are worth birding for sparrows, towhees, titmice, and thrashers. The lake contains ducks during the winter, but they are normally on the east side and require a scope if you hope to identify them. [A Yellow-billed Loon and Glaucous-winged Gull have appeared here.]

Backtracking to the intersection, continue toward the village of Cochiti Lake turning to the right just past the convenience store. Park at the dead end and walk the grounds of what at one time was a recreational facility for the town. The scrub along the edges, the lawns, and the trees have contained a surprising variety over the years.

Be alert for birds along the fences along roads. These are common areas for Horned Lark, shrikes, Mockingbird, and Western Meadowlark.