Lake birding habitat

Lake Harriet

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Harriet is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts American Robin, American Goldfinch, and Mallard 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

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

6/3/2026Fort Snelling SP1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/3/2026140th St. Marsh1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/3/2026NW of Silver Bell Rd & Hwy 13 - Eagan1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/3/2026Pig’s Eye Regional Park5 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

6/2/2026Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve--Murphy Lake1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

6/2/2026Pig’s Eye Regional Park4 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/2/2026Pig’s Eye Regional Park1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

6/2/2026Pig’s Eye Regional Park2 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

6/2/2026Pig’s Eye Regional Park1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)

Anser albifrons

6/2/2026Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve--Murphy Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

26/1/2026

Wood Duck

36/1/2026

Mallard

406/1/2026

Mourning Dove

36/1/2026

Chimney Swift

16/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/1/2026

Green Heron

16/1/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

26/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

36/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

36/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

96/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/1/2026

Blue Jay

36/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

16/1/2026

American Robin

116/1/2026

House Sparrow

116/1/2026

American Goldfinch

16/1/2026

Baltimore Oriole

46/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

136/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Lake Harriet for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Harriet for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Harriet?
Notable species at Lake Harriet include American Robin, American Goldfinch, Mallard, Trumpeter Swan, Wild Turkey. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Harriet?
Birding at Lake Harriet is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Harriet?
Lake Harriet offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.