Forest birding habitat

Sun Lakes State Park

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
ForestCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sun Lakes State Park is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This forest and coastal habitat attracts Lesser Scaup, California Quail, and Rock Pigeon among many others. Coastal and forest habitats support impressive year-round resident species and seasonal migrants.

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

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

6/2/2026Soap Lake south end1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

5/31/202635622–35798 Pinto Ridge Rd NE, Coulee City US-WA (47.6056,-119.2869)1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/22/2026Brook Lake1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

5/21/2026CWOT061 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

305/31/2026

Gadwall

25/31/2026

Mallard

45/31/2026

California Quail

55/31/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/31/2026

White-throated Swift

55/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Ring-billed Gull

45/31/2026

California Gull

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Northern Harrier

25/31/2026

Northern Flicker

25/31/2026

American Kestrel

15/31/2026

Peregrine Falcon

15/31/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

25/31/2026

Say's Phoebe

15/31/2026

Western Kingbird

25/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Violet-green Swallow

155/31/2026

Barn Swallow

45/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Pack rain gear — the best birding often coincides with drizzly conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sun Lakes State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Sun Lakes State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sun Lakes State Park?
Notable species at Sun Lakes State Park include Lesser Scaup, California Quail, Rock Pigeon, Northern Flicker, Say's Phoebe. The area supports forest, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sun Lakes State Park?
Birding at Sun Lakes State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Sun Lakes State Park?
Sun Lakes State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.