Lake birding habitat

Summer Lake Wildlife Area

Oregon · West

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

March-May, September-November

About This Location

Summer Lake Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Oregon, with 284 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, and Tundra Swan among many others. The diverse terrain supports both resident specialties and Pacific Flyway migrants throughout the year.

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

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

4/13/2026Summer Lake Wildlife Area--East Link and Gull Island8 observed

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

4/11/2026Summer Lake Wildlife Area--East Link and Gull Island3 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

4/11/2026Summer Lake Wildlife Area--East Link and Gull Island9 observed

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

4/10/2026Summer Lake Wildlife Area--East Link and Gull Island2 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

4/9/2026Thompson Reservoir2 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

4/2/2026Summer Lake Wildlife Area2 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/2/2026Summer Lake Wildlife Area4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Greater White-fronted Goose

114/13/2026

Canada Goose

14/13/2026

Cinnamon Teal

64/13/2026

Northern Shoveler

144/13/2026

Gadwall

64/13/2026

Mallard

64/13/2026

Northern Pintail

84/13/2026

Canvasback

124/13/2026

Ring-necked Duck

24/13/2026

Ruddy Duck

124/13/2026

American Coot

154/13/2026

Black-necked Stilt

44/13/2026

American Avocet

74/13/2026

Long-billed Curlew

14/13/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

34/13/2026

California Gull

14/13/2026

Forster's Tern

24/13/2026

Western Grebe

44/13/2026

Clark's Grebe

14/13/2026

White-faced Ibis

124/13/2026

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

    Early mornings provide the best light and bird activity along the coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Summer Lake Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Summer Lake Wildlife Area for birding are March-May, September-November. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Summer Lake Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Summer Lake Wildlife Area include Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Summer Lake Wildlife Area?
Birding at Summer Lake Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Summer Lake Wildlife Area?
Summer Lake Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.