River/Riparian birding habitat

Buffalo River State Park

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Buffalo River State Park is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Downy Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, 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

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

6/1/2026Felton Prairie1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (Krider's)

Buteo jamaicensis

6/1/2026Felton Prairie1 observed

Western x Eastern Meadowlark (hybrid)

Sturnella neglecta x magna

5/31/2026Viewing Park—Fargo International Airport1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

5/23/2026Blue Eagle Park1 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

5/23/2026Fargo--Oak Grove Park1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

5/23/2026Fargo--Forest River Park1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

5/23/2026Fargo--Forest River Park1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

5/23/2026Fargo--Orchard Glen Park1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/21/2026Fargo--Orchard Glen Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

15/29/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/29/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/29/2026

Tree Swallow

55/29/2026

Northern House Wren

25/29/2026

Marsh Wren

15/29/2026

Gray Catbird

25/29/2026

American Goldfinch

45/29/2026

Clay-colored Sparrow

45/29/2026

Song Sparrow

15/29/2026

Bobolink

15/29/2026

Baltimore Oriole

25/29/2026

American Redstart

45/29/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

25/29/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/26/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

35/26/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/26/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

25/26/2026

American Crow

15/26/2026

Bank Swallow

25/26/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Buffalo River State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Buffalo River State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Buffalo River State Park?
Notable species at Buffalo River State Park include Downy Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Bald Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk, Blue Jay. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Buffalo River State Park?
Birding at Buffalo River State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Buffalo River State Park?
Buffalo River State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.