Wetland birding habitat

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wild Turkey, and Rock Pigeon 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

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/1/2026140th St. Marsh2 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

6/1/202622431 Wagon Wheel Trail, Lakeville, Minnesota, US (44.625, -93.338)1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

6/1/2026Father Hennepin Bluffs1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

6/1/2026Lebanon Hills Regional Park--Campground1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

6/1/2026Sucker Lake1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

6/1/20269 Mile Creek1 observed

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

6/1/2026East Mississippi River Flats, Minneapolis1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)

Anser albifrons

5/31/2026Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve (Scott Co.)1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/31/2026Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve--Forest trails (Scott Co.)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026Crosby Farm Regional Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

75/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Common Nighthawk

15/31/2026

Common Loon

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Northern Flicker

25/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/31/2026

Alder Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

35/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

55/31/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/31/2026

Brown Creeper

15/31/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/31/2026

Northern House Wren

25/31/2026

Sedge Wren

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

25/31/2026

American Robin

105/31/2026

Cedar Waxwing

125/31/2026

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 Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters for birding?
The best months to visit Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters 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 - Headquarters?
Notable species at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters include Canada Goose, Wild Turkey, Rock Pigeon, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters?
Birding at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters?
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.