Sumner Lake State Park

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Sumner Lake State Park is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 289 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

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

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/4/2026Fort Sumner Gravel Quarry Hidden Ponds (outside fence only)1 observed

Crissal Thrasher

Toxostoma crissale

3/4/2026Paseo del Sol, Santa Rosa US-NM 34.72541, -104.651012 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

2/26/2026Bosque Redondo Park1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

2/26/2026Real Wind Drive, where NM 272 turns west1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

2/24/2026Fort Sumner Gravel Quarry Hidden Ponds (outside fence only)3 observed

Great Egret

Ardea alba

2/24/2026Fort Sumner Gravel Quarry Hidden Ponds (outside fence only)1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

2/24/2026Sumner Lake SP3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

123/4/2026

Northern Shoveler

1503/4/2026

Gadwall

503/4/2026

American Wigeon

403/4/2026

Mallard

103/4/2026

Green-winged Teal

303/4/2026

Canvasback

93/4/2026

Redhead

403/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

253/4/2026

Lesser Scaup

203/4/2026

Bufflehead

93/4/2026

Ruddy Duck

153/4/2026

Wild Turkey

13/4/2026

Rock Pigeon

73/4/2026

White-winged Dove

93/4/2026

Mourning Dove

113/4/2026

American Coot

1603/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

653/4/2026

Western Grebe

53/4/2026

Clark's Grebe

93/4/2026

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sumner Lake State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Sumner Lake State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Sumner Lake State Park?
Notable species at Sumner Lake State Park include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sumner Lake State Park?
Birding at Sumner Lake State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Sumner Lake State Park?
Sumner Lake State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.