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

Bell's Vireo (Eastern)

Vireo bellii

4/13/2026Sumner Lake SP--Below the Dam1 observed

Mountain Chickadee

Poecile gambeli

4/8/2026Sumner Lake SP--Below the Dam1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

4/4/2026Sumner Lake SP--Below the Dam1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

14/14/2026

White-winged Dove

24/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

74/14/2026

Osprey

14/14/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

14/14/2026

Black Phoebe

14/14/2026

Common Raven

14/14/2026

House Finch

34/14/2026

Pine Siskin

14/14/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

14/14/2026

Spotted Towhee

14/14/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

24/14/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/14/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/13/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

14/13/2026

Chihuahuan Raven

14/13/2026

Cliff Swallow

14/13/2026

Rock Wren

24/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

34/13/2026

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.