Grey Cloud Dunes State Natural Area

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Grey Cloud Dunes State Natural Area is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 235 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Trumpeter Swan 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

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/6/2026Mother Lake1 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

3/5/2026Veterans Memorial Park1 observed

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus satrapa

3/5/2026Minnesota Valley NWR--Bass Ponds1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (Harlan's)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/3/2026Colman Lake Trail1 observed

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

3/3/2026964 Trout Brook Rd, Hudson US-WI 45.00166, -92.720561 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/3/2026Lake Phalen1 observed

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

3/3/2026WI Home1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/1/2026Kaposia Landing1 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

3/1/2026Hastings Sand Coulee SNA--North Unit1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

2/28/2026964 Trout Brook Rd, Hudson US-WI 45.00166, -92.720561 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

2/28/2026Minnesota Valley NWR--Headquarters2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

2/28/2026Oriole

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

13/4/2026

Canada Goose

3/4/2026

Trumpeter Swan

3/4/2026

Mallard

253/4/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

23/4/2026

Bald Eagle

13/4/2026

Barred Owl

13/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

43/4/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Northern Flicker

13/4/2026

Blue Jay

123/4/2026

American Crow

73/4/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

93/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

53/4/2026

American Robin

153/4/2026

American Tree Sparrow

203/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

33/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

53/4/2026

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 Grey Cloud Dunes State Natural Area for birding?
The best months to visit Grey Cloud Dunes State Natural Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Grey Cloud Dunes State Natural Area?
Notable species at Grey Cloud Dunes State Natural Area include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Ring-necked Pheasant. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Grey Cloud Dunes State Natural Area?
Birding at Grey Cloud Dunes State Natural Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Grey Cloud Dunes State Natural Area?
Grey Cloud Dunes State Natural Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.