Forest birding habitat

Chester Woods

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Chester Woods is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, 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

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/15/2026East Landfill Kalmar Reservoir1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

7/15/2026Chester Woods1 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

7/14/202631804 US-52, Chatfield US-MN 43.81636, -92.139161 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/13/2026Jane’shouse3 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

7/12/2026East Landfill Kalmar Reservoir1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

7/12/2026Whitewater SP1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

7/10/2026Chester Woods1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

7/10/2026East Landfill Kalmar Reservoir1 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

7/10/2026Silver Creek Reservoir2 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/8/2026South Landfill Reservoir2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/15/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/15/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

17/15/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/15/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/15/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

27/15/2026

Northern House Wren

17/15/2026

American Goldfinch

17/15/2026

Field Sparrow

17/15/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/15/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/15/2026

Blue Jay

17/15/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

27/15/2026

American Robin

17/15/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/15/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/15/2026

Eastern Bluebird

17/15/2026

Ovenbird

17/15/2026

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