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

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/30/2026David H. Steen WMA1 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

5/30/2026Big Stone NWR--Headquarters1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/19/2026Hantho WMA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

195/30/2026

Mallard

45/30/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

15/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

565/30/2026

Green Heron

25/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

55/30/2026

American White Pelican

625/30/2026

Eastern Kingbird

45/30/2026

Barn Swallow

25/30/2026

Cliff Swallow

75/30/2026

Sedge Wren

15/30/2026

Marsh Wren

25/30/2026

American Goldfinch

15/30/2026

Clay-colored Sparrow

25/30/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

45/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

225/30/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

45/30/2026

Common Grackle

45/30/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/30/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

75/30/2026

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.