Grassland birding habitat

Carpenter Nature Center

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Carpenter Nature Center is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Mourning Dove 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

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/16/2026140th St. Marsh2 observed

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

4/16/2026964 Trout Brook Rd, Hudson US-WI 45.00166, -92.720561 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/16/2026Hedlund Home (Not exact location)1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/15/2026Dog Park1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

4/15/2026Hedlund Home (Not exact location)1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/15/2026Tamarack Nature Preserve1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/15/2026140th St. Marsh1 observed

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

4/14/2026140th St. Marsh1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

14/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/13/2026

Northern Flicker

14/13/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/13/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/13/2026

American Robin

14/13/2026

American Goldfinch

14/13/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/13/2026

Canada Goose

174/12/2026

Mourning Dove

44/12/2026

Ring-billed Gull

54/12/2026

American White Pelican

504/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/12/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/12/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/12/2026

Downy Woodpecker

34/12/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/12/2026

Blue Jay

74/12/2026

American Crow

74/12/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

34/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Carpenter Nature Center for birding?
The best months to visit Carpenter Nature Center for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Carpenter Nature Center?
Notable species at Carpenter Nature Center include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Carpenter Nature Center?
Birding at Carpenter Nature Center is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Carpenter Nature Center?
Carpenter Nature Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.