Wetland birding habitat

Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

7/8/2026Tamarac NWR1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

257/21/2026

Trumpeter Swan

87/21/2026

Wood Duck

167/21/2026

Blue-winged Teal

67/21/2026

Mallard

207/21/2026

Canvasback

47/21/2026

Ring-necked Duck

157/21/2026

Hooded Merganser

17/21/2026

Ruddy Duck

27/21/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

27/21/2026

Mourning Dove

67/21/2026

Virginia Rail

17/21/2026

Sora

17/21/2026

Franklin's Gull

17/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

207/21/2026

Black Tern

27/21/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

37/21/2026

Red-necked Grebe

27/21/2026

Common Loon

37/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

187/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge?
Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.