Wetland birding habitat

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Louisville Swamp

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Louisville Swamp is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Trumpeter Swan, 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

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

4/15/2026Rice Lake (Carver Co.)1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/15/2026Minnesota Landscape Arboretum1 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

4/14/2026Rice Lake (Carver Co.)2 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

4/13/2026Colman Lake9 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

4/13/20262638 Clover Field Cir, Chaska US-MN (44.8141,-93.6383)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

194/8/2026

Blue-winged Teal

64/8/2026

American Wigeon

44/8/2026

Mallard

74/8/2026

Green-winged Teal

354/8/2026

Wild Turkey

134/8/2026

Killdeer

14/8/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

114/8/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

44/8/2026

Ring-billed Gull

34/8/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/8/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/8/2026

Northern Harrier

14/8/2026

Bald Eagle

64/8/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/8/2026

Northern Flicker

44/8/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/8/2026

Blue Jay

34/8/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

24/8/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

84/8/2026

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