a flock of birds standing on top of a lush green field

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 265 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, 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

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/30/2026Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve--Murphy Lake1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)

Anser albifrons

5/29/2026Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve--Murphy Lake1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/29/2026Crosby Farm Regional Park1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/26/202613100 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, US (44.868, -93.445)1 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

5/26/2026Lebanon Hills Regional Park--Jensen Lake Loop1 observed

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

5/26/2026Richardson Nature Center1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/26/2026Locke Park/Rice Creek West Regional Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Willow Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Marsh Wren

15/30/2026

Swamp Sparrow

15/30/2026

Canada Goose

415/30/2026

Trumpeter Swan

115/30/2026

Wood Duck

95/30/2026

Mallard

145/30/2026

Rock Pigeon

15/30/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/30/2026

Killdeer

35/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/30/2026

Green Heron

25/30/2026

Great Egret

125/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

65/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

125/30/2026

Bald Eagle

15/30/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

25/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

25/30/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.

  5. 5

    Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds for birding?
The best months to visit Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds?
Notable species at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Mourning Dove, American Coot, Sandhill Crane, Blue Jay, Gadwall, American Black Duck, Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid). The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds?
Birding at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds?
There is no entrance fee at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds?
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.