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

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

5/30/202614433 CR-101, Spring Valley US-MN 43.80832, -92.359242 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

5/30/2026Oxbow Park1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/30/2026Oxbow Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

15/31/2026

Mallard

45/31/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

25/31/2026

Rock Pigeon

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Black-billed Cuckoo

15/31/2026

Sandhill Crane

25/31/2026

Bald Eagle

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

45/31/2026

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

55/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/31/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

35/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

55/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

35/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

American Crow

25/31/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

25/31/2026

Tree Swallow

25/31/2026

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.