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

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

4/15/2026Fargo--Forest River Park1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

4/14/2026Fargo--Forest River Park1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/13/2026Home1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

4/12/2026Fargo--Timberline Park1 observed

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

4/12/2026Fargo--Lions Conservancy Park1 observed

Sharp-tailed Grouse x Greater Prairie-Chicken (hybrid)

Tympanuchus phasianellus x cupido

4/12/2026The Nature Conservancy, Glyndon US-MN 46.84126, -96.473151 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/11/2026Cromwell Township1 observed

Northern Shrike

Lanius borealis

4/10/20263307 County Road 81 N, Fargo US-ND 46.92512, -96.840231 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

4/5/2026Fargo--Heritage Hills1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (cismontanus)

Junco hyemalis

4/3/2026Fargo--Orchard Glen Park1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/3/2026Clay County Landfill1 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

4/3/2026Cromwell Township3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

14/15/2026

Wood Duck

24/15/2026

Mallard

24/15/2026

Northern Flicker

14/15/2026

American Kestrel

14/15/2026

Eastern Phoebe

24/15/2026

Blue Jay

14/15/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

54/15/2026

Tree Swallow

4/15/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

24/15/2026

American Robin

54/15/2026

Song Sparrow

14/15/2026

Western Meadowlark

14/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/15/2026

Sandhill Crane

2004/15/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/15/2026

American White Pelican

34/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/15/2026

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.