Forest birding habitat

Gila National Forest - Quemado Lake

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
ForestLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Gila National Forest - Quemado Lake is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 221 species recorded on eBird. This forest and lake habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, and Green-winged Teal 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

Redhead

Aythya americana

5/28/2026Gila NF--Quemado Lake1 observed

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

5/28/2026Gila NF--Quemado Lake5 observed

Ring-billed Gull

Larus delawarensis

5/17/2026Gila NF--Quemado Lake10 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

5/17/2026Gila NF--Quemado Lake3 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/16/2026Gila NF--Quemado Lake4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

55/28/2026

Gadwall

145/28/2026

Redhead

15/28/2026

Common Merganser

15/28/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

35/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

145/28/2026

American Crow

15/28/2026

Violet-green Swallow

505/28/2026

Purple Martin

25/28/2026

Mallard

15/26/2026

Bald Eagle

25/26/2026

Northern Flicker

15/26/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

15/26/2026

Pinyon Jay

5/26/2026

Steller's Jay

25/26/2026

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

15/26/2026

Common Raven

15/26/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

25/26/2026

Cliff Swallow

55/26/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Gila National Forest - Quemado Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Gila National Forest - Quemado Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Gila National Forest - Quemado Lake?
Notable species at Gila National Forest - Quemado Lake include Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead. The area supports forest, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Gila National Forest - Quemado Lake?
Birding at Gila National Forest - Quemado Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Gila National Forest - Quemado Lake?
Gila National Forest - Quemado Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.