Forest birding habitat

Carleton College Cowling Arboretum - Lower Arb

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
ForestUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Carleton College Cowling Arboretum - Lower Arb is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This forest and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, 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

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

7/19/2026205th St.7 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/18/2026Northfield, MN3 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/18/2026Vermillion R. Trib. #1 - Hwy 47 to 190th St E9 observed

Merlin (Prairie)

Falco columbarius

7/16/2026Northfield (town)3 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

7/8/2026180th St. Marsh (Marshall's Marsh)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Osprey

17/20/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/20/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/20/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

27/20/2026

Gray Catbird

27/20/2026

American Robin

17/20/2026

American Goldfinch

17/20/2026

Song Sparrow

17/20/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/20/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

37/20/2026

Field Sparrow

27/20/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/20/2026

Rock Pigeon

17/20/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/20/2026

Green Heron

17/20/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/20/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/20/2026

American Redstart

17/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  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 Carleton College Cowling Arboretum - Lower Arb for birding?
The best months to visit Carleton College Cowling Arboretum - Lower Arb for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Carleton College Cowling Arboretum - Lower Arb?
Notable species at Carleton College Cowling Arboretum - Lower Arb include Canada Goose, Mallard, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports forest, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Carleton College Cowling Arboretum - Lower Arb?
Birding at Carleton College Cowling Arboretum - Lower Arb is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Carleton College Cowling Arboretum - Lower Arb?
Carleton College Cowling Arboretum - Lower Arb offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.