River/Riparian birding habitat

Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2 is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Common Merganser, Rock Pigeon, 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

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

5/31/2026ETSP stakeout 205th locale1 observed

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

5/31/2026Fish Creek Natural Area1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

5/31/2026Lebanon Hills btwn Pilot Knob and Johnny Cake1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026Crosby Farm Regional Park1 observed

Ruffed Grouse

Bonasa umbellus

5/30/202654022, River Falls US-WI 44.84048, -92.660474 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/29/2026Crosby Farm Regional Park1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/28/2026Lost Valley Prairie SNA1 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

5/31/2026

Mallard

5/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

105/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

45/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

American White Pelican

5/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/31/2026

Bald Eagle

85/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/31/2026

Tree Swallow

5/31/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

5/31/2026

Barn Swallow

5/31/2026

Cliff Swallow

5/31/2026

Marsh Wren

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

15/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

American Goldfinch

25/31/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2 for birding?
The best months to visit Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2 for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2?
Notable species at Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2 include Common Merganser, Rock Pigeon, Bald Eagle, Northern Shrike, American Crow. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2?
Birding at Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2 is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2?
Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2 offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.