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

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

6/1/2026Fish Lake Nature Trails1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/31/2026Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve--Kelling Woods1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Alder Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Mallard

45/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

55/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

35/31/2026

Blue Jay

35/31/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

25/31/2026

Gray Catbird

35/31/2026

Veery

45/31/2026

American Goldfinch

25/31/2026

Song Sparrow

25/31/2026

Swamp Sparrow

15/31/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

45/31/2026

Ovenbird

35/31/2026

Blue-winged Warbler

15/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

55/31/2026

American Redstart

15/31/2026

Scarlet Tanager

15/31/2026

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.