Grassland birding habitat

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

Carolina Wren

Thryothorus ludovicianus

7/19/2026Fort Snelling SP--Visitor Center1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/19/2026140th St. Marsh1 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

7/19/2026205th St.7 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (Krider's)

Buteo jamaicensis

7/18/2026Emery Ave/160th1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/18/2026Vermillion R. Trib. #1 - Hwy 47 to 190th St E9 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

47/17/2026

Chimney Swift

27/17/2026

Killdeer

17/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/17/2026

Bell's Vireo

17/17/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

17/17/2026

Blue Jay

17/17/2026

American Crow

17/17/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/17/2026

Cliff Swallow

57/17/2026

Northern House Wren

17/17/2026

Gray Catbird

37/17/2026

Eastern Bluebird

17/17/2026

American Robin

17/17/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/17/2026

American Goldfinch

27/17/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

67/17/2026

Clay-colored Sparrow

37/17/2026

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.