Wetland birding habitat

Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour Road

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour Road is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 241 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Common Goldeneye, Bald Eagle, and American Tree Sparrow 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

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

4/18/2026Ortonville (town)1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

4/15/202656278, Ortonville US-MN 45.25255, -96.400346 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

4/15/2026Joe Spors Slough5 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

4/15/2026Big Stone NWR--Auto Tour Road1 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

4/15/2026Big Stone NWR--Auto Tour Road2 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/14/2026281st Ave1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/14/2026Co Rd 73 observed

Garganey

Spatula querquedula

4/14/2026Joe Spors Slough1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

4/13/2026Marsh Lake WMA route1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

4/13/2026Joe Spors Slough1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

144/17/2026

Northern Shoveler

244/17/2026

Mallard

124/17/2026

Ring-necked Duck

34/17/2026

Lesser Scaup

704/17/2026

Bufflehead

114/17/2026

Ruddy Duck

104/17/2026

American Coot

514/17/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

24/17/2026

Franklin's Gull

54/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

84/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

54/17/2026

American White Pelican

34/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/17/2026

Bald Eagle

14/17/2026

Tree Swallow

394/17/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

24/17/2026

Field Sparrow

24/17/2026

Vesper Sparrow

24/17/2026

Snow Goose

34/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour Road for birding?
The best months to visit Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour Road for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour Road?
Notable species at Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour Road include Common Goldeneye, Bald Eagle, American Tree Sparrow. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour Road?
Birding at Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour Road?
Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.