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

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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

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

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

5/26/2026Richardson Nature Center1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/25/2026Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve--Forest trails (Scott Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

25/30/2026

Mallard

15/30/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

15/30/2026

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Chimney Swift

15/30/2026

Sandhill Crane

15/30/2026

Killdeer

15/30/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/30/2026

Barred Owl

15/30/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/30/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/30/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

25/30/2026

Blue Jay

35/30/2026

Bank Swallow

105/30/2026

Tree Swallow

25/30/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

25/30/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/30/2026

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.

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.