Wetland birding habitat

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Wilkie Unit

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Wilkie Unit is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, and Bald Eagle 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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

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

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

6/3/2026Home1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)

Anser albifrons

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

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

Anser albifrons

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

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/29/2026Crosby Farm Regional Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

25/31/2026

Great Egret

25/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Least Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

35/31/2026

Cliff Swallow

105/31/2026

Gray Catbird

25/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

Song Sparrow

15/31/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

45/31/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

25/31/2026

Common Grackle

15/31/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

15/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/31/2026

American Redstart

35/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

45/31/2026

Indigo Bunting

25/31/2026

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