Wetland birding habitat

Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Trumpeter Swan, Bald Eagle, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/11/2026Forest Lake—west end4 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/8/2026Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve--Kelling Woods1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/2/2026William O'Brien State Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

27/8/2026

Wood Duck

97/8/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/8/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

37/8/2026

Blue Jay

27/8/2026

American Crow

37/8/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

37/8/2026

Sedge Wren

47/8/2026

European Starling

157/8/2026

Gray Catbird

47/8/2026

Veery

57/8/2026

American Robin

37/8/2026

American Goldfinch

17/8/2026

Song Sparrow

67/8/2026

Swamp Sparrow

77/8/2026

Chestnut-sided Warbler

27/8/2026

Scarlet Tanager

37/8/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/8/2026

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

17/8/2026

Blue-winged Teal

17/8/2026

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 Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area include Trumpeter Swan, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Shrike, Common Raven. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area?
Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.