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

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

7/18/2026Coulee City Sewage Ponds1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Blue Heron

17/20/2026

California Quail

37/20/2026

Canada Goose

347/20/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/20/2026

Mourning Dove

37/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/20/2026

Say's Phoebe

17/20/2026

Bank Swallow

97/20/2026

Barn Swallow

27/20/2026

American Robin

17/20/2026

Mallard

507/18/2026

Green-winged Teal

37/18/2026

Lesser Scaup

17/18/2026

Killdeer

17/18/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

17/18/2026

Least Sandpiper

127/18/2026

Western Sandpiper

37/18/2026

California Gull

17/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

97/18/2026

Common Raven

17/18/2026

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.