Sumner Lake State Park - Below the Dam

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Sumner Lake State Park - Below the Dam is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 256 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, and American Goldfinch 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

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

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

23/4/2026

American Robin

93/4/2026

American Goldfinch

13/4/2026

Spotted Towhee

13/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

113/4/2026

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 - Below the Dam for birding?
The best months to visit Sumner Lake State Park - Below the Dam for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Sumner Lake State Park - Below the Dam?
Notable species at Sumner Lake State Park - Below the Dam include Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, American Goldfinch, Spotted Towhee, Red-winged Blackbird. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sumner Lake State Park - Below the Dam?
Birding at Sumner Lake State Park - Below the Dam 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 - Below the Dam?
Sumner Lake State Park - Below the Dam offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.