Lake birding habitat

Sumner Lake State Park - Below the Dam

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Sumner Lake State Park - Below the Dam is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 256 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, and American Goldfinch 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

White-throated Swift

Aeronautes saxatalis

5/18/2026Sumner Lake SP1 observed

Swainson's Thrush (Olive-backed)

Catharus ustulatus

5/18/2026Sumner Lake SP--Below the Dam1 observed

Common Black Hawk

Buteogallus anthracinus

5/18/2026Sumner Lake SP--Below the Dam1 observed

Acorn Woodpecker

Melanerpes formicivorus

5/15/2026Hisel Property (private)1 observed

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

Black-chinned Hummingbird

15/18/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

25/18/2026

Common Black Hawk

15/18/2026

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sumner Lake State Park - Below the Dam for birding?
The best months to visit Sumner Lake State Park - Below the Dam for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Sumner Lake State Park - Below the Dam?
Notable species at Sumner Lake State Park - Below the Dam include Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, American Goldfinch, Spotted Towhee, Red-winged Blackbird. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sumner Lake State Park - Below the Dam?
Birding at Sumner Lake State Park - Below the Dam 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 - Below the Dam?
Sumner Lake State Park - Below the Dam offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.