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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/16/20266000–6074 19th St NW, Byron US-MN (44.0423,-92.5593)2 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/15/2026Cascade Lake Park1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

4/14/2026East Landfill Kalmar Reservoir2 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/14/2026Izaak Walton Wetlands1 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

4/13/202614433 CR-102, Spring Valley US-MN 43.80839, -92.358642 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/13/2026Yard1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

4/12/2026Home1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

24/16/2026

Wild Turkey

34/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/16/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Blue Jay

24/16/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

4/16/2026

Field Sparrow

34/16/2026

White-throated Sparrow

4/16/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/16/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/16/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

24/16/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

44/16/2026

Northern Flicker

34/16/2026

Tree Swallow

14/16/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/16/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

14/16/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/16/2026

Brown Creeper

14/16/2026

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.