Sumner Lake State Park

New Mexico · Southwest

EasyView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Sumner Lake State Park is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 289 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Canada Goose Northern Shoveler Gadwall American Wigeon Mallard

Live Bird Data

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

15/24/2026

Mourning Dove

25/24/2026

Turkey Vulture

165/24/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

15/24/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/24/2026

Willow Flycatcher

25/24/2026

Black Phoebe

15/24/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

15/24/2026

Cliff Swallow

155/24/2026

House Finch

25/24/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

15/24/2026

Bullock's Oriole

25/24/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/24/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

25/24/2026

Summer Tanager

25/24/2026

Blue Grosbeak

15/24/2026

Painted Bunting

25/24/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

15/22/2026

Killdeer

25/22/2026

Franklin's Gull

25/22/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

More in New Mexico

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

Rio Grande refuge renowned for spectacular Sandhill Crane and Snow Goose flyouts.

Acomita Lake

Lake birding hotspot in New Mexico with 201 recorded species.

Belen Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in New Mexico with 205 recorded species.

New Mexico Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in New Mexico →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

11 min read

Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sumner Lake State Park for birding?▼

The best months to visit Sumner Lake State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Sumner Lake State Park?▼

Notable species at Sumner Lake State Park include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Sumner Lake State Park?▼

Birding at Sumner 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 Sumner Lake State Park?▼

Sumner Lake State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.