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

Bar-tailed Godwit

Limosa lapponica

5/31/2026Summer Lake Wildlife Area--Bullgate Dike1 observed

Song Sparrow (montana/merrilli)

Melospiza melodia

5/31/2026Summer Lake WMA--End of Bullgate Dike--42.9164,-120.74172 observed

Savannah Sparrow (Savannah)

Passerculus sandwichensis

5/31/2026Summer Lake WMA--End of Bullgate Dike--42.9164,-120.74178 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

5/30/2026School House Lake1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/30/2026Summer Lake Wildlife Area--Ana River Campground1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

6/2/2026

Gadwall

6/2/2026

Mallard

6/2/2026

American Coot

6/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

6/2/2026

Common Yellowthroat

6/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/2/2026

American Barn Owl

16/2/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

16/2/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

16/2/2026

Tree Swallow

126/2/2026

Cliff Swallow

506/2/2026

Song Sparrow

46/2/2026

Wilson's Warbler

26/2/2026

Canada Goose

206/2/2026

Trumpeter Swan

56/2/2026

Blue-winged Teal

36/2/2026

Northern Shoveler

46/2/2026

American Wigeon

26/2/2026

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.