Summit Lake State Park

Indiana · Midwest

Habitat
LakeMountain
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Summit Lake State Park is a productive birding destination in Indiana, with 269 species recorded on eBird. This lake and mountain habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Northern Pintail among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

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

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/5/20266301–6391 S County Road 575 E, Selma US-IN 40.13654, -85.279561 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

3/1/2026500 N McKenzie St, Muncie US-IN 40.19781, -85.432182 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

503/6/2026

Redhead

1153/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

63/6/2026

Greater Scaup

203/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

1503/6/2026

Bufflehead

33/6/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

123/6/2026

American Coot

443/6/2026

Killdeer

43/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

353/6/2026

Horned Grebe

23/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

53/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

73/6/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/6/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/6/2026

Carolina Wren

13/6/2026

Eastern Bluebird

23/6/2026

American Robin

63/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

23/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

53/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Summit Lake State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Summit Lake State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Summit Lake State Park?
Notable species at Summit Lake State Park include Canada Goose, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Redhead, Lesser Scaup. The area supports lake, mountain habitats.
How difficult is birding at Summit Lake State Park?
Birding at Summit Lake State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Summit Lake State Park?
Summit Lake State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.