Grassland birding habitat

Gooseberry Falls State Park

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Gooseberry Falls State Park is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, and Red-breasted Nuthatch 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

6/1/2026Side Deck1 observed

Sage Thrasher

Oreoscoptes montanus

5/27/2026Two Harbors Lake Walk--west end1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

5/27/2026Castle Danger WTP1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

5/27/2026Drummond Grade, Two Harbors, Minnesota, US (47.086, -91.735)1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

5/26/2026Castle Danger WTP1 observed

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

5/26/2026Two Harbors--Lighthouse Point1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

5/26/2026Two Harbors--Paul Van Hoven Park1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

5/26/2026Castle Danger WTP1 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

5/26/2026Tettegouche State Park - Shovel Point Trail1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/23/2026Lake View Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Least Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

Veery

25/31/2026

Chipping Sparrow

35/31/2026

Black-and-white Warbler

15/31/2026

Blackburnian Warbler

15/31/2026

Canada Goose

65/31/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

15/31/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/31/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

15/31/2026

Song Sparrow

15/31/2026

American Redstart

65/31/2026

Chestnut-sided Warbler

15/31/2026

Black-throated Green Warbler

15/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

65/31/2026

Blue Jay

25/31/2026

American Crow

15/31/2026

Common Raven

15/31/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

25/31/2026

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 Gooseberry Falls State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Gooseberry Falls State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Gooseberry Falls State Park?
Notable species at Gooseberry Falls State Park include Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, American Crow, Common Raven. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Gooseberry Falls State Park?
Birding at Gooseberry Falls State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Gooseberry Falls State Park?
Gooseberry Falls State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.