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

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Northern Shoveler Gadwall American Wigeon Mallard

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/15/2026Sumner Lake SP--Below the Dam1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/15/2026Sumner Lake SP--Below the Dam1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

7/15/2026Sumner Lake SP--Below the Dam1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

7/15/2026Sumner Lake SP--Below the Dam1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

117/15/2026

Mallard

17/15/2026

American Avocet

67/15/2026

Killdeer

27/15/2026

Western Grebe

97/15/2026

Clark's Grebe

17/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

47/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

127/15/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/15/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

57/15/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

27/15/2026

Black Phoebe

17/15/2026

Barn Swallow

47/15/2026

Cliff Swallow

167/15/2026

Lark Sparrow

17/15/2026

Rufous-crowned Sparrow

17/15/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

17/15/2026

Bullock's Oriole

27/15/2026

Hooded Warbler

17/15/2026

Northern Parula

17/15/2026

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.