In the summer, watch for Mississippi kites which nest in Roswell. In March and October, turkey vultures roost in the larger trees as they gather for migration. The cemetery in Roswell, as in many cities, is an excellent viewing site. Birds here include Cassin's sparrow, western meadowlark, horned lark, northern harrier, Swainson's hawk, common nighthawk, ravens, loggerhead shrike, scaled quail, burrowing owl, great-horned owl, and golden eagle. The fortunate birder in early April may witness the courtship of lesser prairie chickens.
Temperatures are uncomfortable for most people in the summertime.
Here is an oasis that attracts painted buntings, vermilion flycatchers, scarlet tanagers, yellow-billed cuckoos, orioles, warblers, cardinals, wild turkeys, owls and hawks. Trails and canyons from the main road will reward the birder with sightings of water dippers and Virginia's, Townsend's, and Wilson's warblers. Around the camp sites at the Lake are MacGillivray's warblers, yellow warblers, acorn woodpeckers, belted woodpeckers, and osprey. In spring and summer, golden eagles and prairie falcons occasionally soar on the updrafts. Black-chinned sparrows, Scott's orioles, canyon wrens, and sapsuckers are visible from the trails.