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

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

6/1/2026East Mississippi River Flats, Minneapolis1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/31/2026Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve--Kelling Woods1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

5/30/2026Crow River from Territorial Rd to Mississippi confluence2 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

5/30/2026home

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

5/28/2026Carlos Avery WMA--Carlos Avery Unit, SW portion2 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

5/24/2026Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, Brooklyn Park US-MN 45.14131, -93.311351 observed

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

5/23/2026Silverwood Park1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

5/23/2026Home2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

5/31/2026

Trumpeter Swan

35/31/2026

Wood Duck

5/31/2026

Mallard

5/31/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/31/2026

Ring-billed Gull

5/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

45/31/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

35/31/2026

Barn Swallow

5/31/2026

Gray Catbird

25/31/2026

Eastern Bluebird

15/31/2026

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.