Grassland birding habitat

Lac qui Parle State Park

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lac qui Parle State Park is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 231 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Bald Eagle, and Red-bellied 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

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

4/16/2026Lac qui Parle SP--Upper Campground Area1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/14/2026281st Ave1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

4/14/2026Lac Qui Parle--Emily Creek Area (LQP Co.)1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

4/13/2026Marsh Lake WMA route1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

494/14/2026

Blue-winged Teal

224/14/2026

Gadwall

24/14/2026

Mallard

134/14/2026

Green-winged Teal

44/14/2026

Bufflehead

34/14/2026

Hooded Merganser

24/14/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

54/14/2026

Rock Pigeon

14/14/2026

Mourning Dove

54/14/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/14/2026

Franklin's Gull

24/14/2026

Ring-billed Gull

64/14/2026

American White Pelican

34/14/2026

Bald Eagle

24/14/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/14/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

24/14/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/14/2026

Northern Flicker

24/14/2026

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 Lac qui Parle State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Lac qui Parle State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lac qui Parle State Park?
Notable species at Lac qui Parle State Park include Canada Goose, Bald Eagle, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lac qui Parle State Park?
Birding at Lac qui Parle State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Lac qui Parle State Park?
Lac qui Parle State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.