Grassland birding habitat

Izaak Walton Wetlands

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Izaak Walton Wetlands is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Mallard, Barred Owl, and Downy 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

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

7/12/2026East Landfill Kalmar Reservoir1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/11/2026SOLDIER'S FIELD PARK5 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

7/10/2026Chester Woods1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

7/10/2026East Landfill Kalmar Reservoir1 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

7/10/2026Silver Creek Reservoir2 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/8/2026East Landfill Kalmar Reservoir1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/8/2026South Landfill Reservoir2 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

7/7/2026South Landfill Reservoir1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

27/3/2026

Green Heron

17/3/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/3/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/3/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/3/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/3/2026

American Crow

27/3/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/3/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

27/3/2026

Barn Swallow

27/3/2026

Northern House Wren

27/3/2026

Gray Catbird

27/3/2026

American Robin

47/3/2026

Cedar Waxwing

37/3/2026

American Goldfinch

27/3/2026

Song Sparrow

27/3/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

37/3/2026

Common Yellowthroat

27/3/2026

American Redstart

27/3/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/3/2026

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 Izaak Walton Wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit Izaak Walton Wetlands for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Izaak Walton Wetlands?
Notable species at Izaak Walton Wetlands include Mallard, Barred Owl, Downy Woodpecker, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Izaak Walton Wetlands?
Birding at Izaak Walton Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Izaak Walton Wetlands?
Izaak Walton Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.