Gila National Forest - Quemado Lake

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
ForestLake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Gila National Forest - Quemado Lake is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 221 species recorded on eBird. This forest and lake habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, and Green-winged Teal among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

3/5/2026Gila NF--Quemado Lake1 observed

Sagebrush Sparrow

Artemisiospiza nevadensis

3/1/2026Gila NF--Quemado Lake1 observed

Ring-billed Gull

Larus delawarensis

2/20/2026Gila NF--Quemado Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

33/5/2026

Gadwall

913/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

63/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

43/5/2026

Bufflehead

203/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

103/5/2026

Common Merganser

63/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

753/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Bald Eagle

13/5/2026

Steller's Jay

23/5/2026

Common Raven

43/5/2026

Western Bluebird

23/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

253/5/2026

Mallard

23/2/2026

Killdeer

23/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/2/2026

Northern Flicker

13/2/2026

American Crow

23/2/2026

Mountain Chickadee

23/2/2026

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

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Gila National Forest - Quemado Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Gila National Forest - Quemado Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Gila National Forest - Quemado Lake?
Notable species at Gila National Forest - Quemado Lake include Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead. The area supports forest, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Gila National Forest - Quemado Lake?
Birding at Gila National Forest - Quemado Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Gila National Forest - Quemado Lake?
Gila National Forest - Quemado Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.