Grassland birding habitat

Afton State Park

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Afton State Park is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Great Horned Owl, Canada Goose, and Bald Eagle among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

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

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/1/2026140th St. Marsh2 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/1/2026208 Linden St W, Stillwater US-MN 45.05863, -92.812061 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/1/2026Lost Valley Prairie SNA1 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

5/31/2026ETSP stakeout 205th locale1 observed

Ruffed Grouse

Bonasa umbellus

5/30/202654022, River Falls US-WI 44.84048, -92.660474 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/26/202611211 60th St N, Lake Elmo US-MN 45.03300, -92.880201 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

5/26/2026Willow River SP2 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

5/25/2026Kinnickinnic SP1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

5/24/2026Willow River WMA west2 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

5/24/2026Oakdale Nature Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-necked Pheasant

26/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

26/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

26/1/2026

Tree Swallow

16/1/2026

Gray Catbird

16/1/2026

Eastern Bluebird

26/1/2026

Cedar Waxwing

26/1/2026

Field Sparrow

26/1/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

36/1/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

36/1/2026

Blue-winged Warbler

16/1/2026

Indigo Bunting

16/1/2026

Mallard

16/1/2026

Wild Turkey

16/1/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

46/1/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Blue Jay

26/1/2026

American Crow

26/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Afton State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Afton State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Afton State Park?
Notable species at Afton State Park include Great Horned Owl, Canada Goose, Bald Eagle, Barred Owl, Dark-eyed Junco. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Afton State Park?
Birding at Afton State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Afton State Park?
Afton State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.