River/Riparian birding habitat

Elm Creek Park Reserve

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
River/RiparianUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Elm Creek Park Reserve is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Wild Turkey 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

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/18/2026Theodore Wirth Park--Golf Course/Chalet1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/18/2026French Lake1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/17/2026Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve--Kelling Woods1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

7/15/2026French Lake2 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

7/14/20267690 Village Dr, Lino Lakes US-MN 45.17795, -93.109041 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

7/12/2026Diamond Lake (Dayton)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-eyed Vireo

27/18/2026

American Goldfinch

37/18/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/18/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/18/2026

Canada Goose

37/18/2026

Wood Duck

37/18/2026

Mallard

47/18/2026

Hooded Merganser

17/18/2026

Wild Turkey

17/18/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

27/18/2026

Mourning Dove

47/18/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

27/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/18/2026

Osprey

27/18/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

17/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

27/18/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

27/18/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/18/2026

Eastern Phoebe

27/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Elm Creek Park Reserve for birding?
The best months to visit Elm Creek Park Reserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Elm Creek Park Reserve?
Notable species at Elm Creek Park Reserve include Canada Goose, Mallard, Wild Turkey, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports river/riparian, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Elm Creek Park Reserve?
Birding at Elm Creek Park Reserve is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Elm Creek Park Reserve?
Elm Creek Park Reserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.