Afton State Park

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

3/3/2026964 Trout Brook Rd, Hudson US-WI 45.00166, -92.720561 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/3/2026Lake Phalen1 observed

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

3/3/2026WI Home1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/2/20261207 CTH-V, Hudson US-WI 45.03655, -92.738752 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/1/2026Kaposia Landing1 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

3/1/2026Hastings Sand Coulee SNA--North Unit1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

2/28/2026964 Trout Brook Rd, Hudson US-WI 45.00166, -92.720561 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

2/27/2026St. Croix River Boat Ramp and Boom Site--Stillwater1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

2/26/2026180th St. Marsh (Marshall's Marsh)1 observed

Red-winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus

2/24/2026Darci home1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

193/5/2026

Bald Eagle

13/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Blue Jay

23/5/2026

American Crow

53/5/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

53/5/2026

American Robin

203/5/2026

Cedar Waxwing

203/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

23/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/5/2026

Great Horned Owl

13/4/2026

Barred Owl

13/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

32/27/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

12/27/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

52/27/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

22/27/2026

American Tree Sparrow

122/27/2026

Rough-legged Hawk

12/27/2026

Northern Shrike

12/27/2026

Horned Lark

52/27/2026

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.