Grassland birding habitat

Fort Snelling State Park

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fort Snelling State Park is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Bald Eagle, Barred Owl, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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

Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)

Anser albifrons

5/31/2026Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve (Scott Co.)1 observed

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

5/31/2026Fish Creek Natural Area1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

5/31/2026Lebanon Hills btwn Pilot Knob and Johnny Cake1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/31/2026Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve--Forest trails (Scott Co.)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026Crosby Farm Regional Park1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/29/2026Crosby Farm Regional Park1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/26/202613100 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, US (44.868, -93.445)1 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

5/26/2026Lebanon Hills Regional Park--Jensen Lake Loop1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

805/31/2026

Wood Duck

55/31/2026

Mallard

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/31/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

American Robin

105/31/2026

House Finch

15/31/2026

American Goldfinch

45/31/2026

Song Sparrow

35/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

25/31/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/31/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

15/31/2026

American Redstart

15/31/2026

Rock Pigeon

45/30/2026

Chimney Swift

55/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Fort Snelling State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Fort Snelling State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fort Snelling State Park?
Notable species at Fort Snelling State Park include Bald Eagle, Barred Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Mallard. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fort Snelling State Park?
Birding at Fort Snelling State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Fort Snelling State Park?
Fort Snelling State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.