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

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/16/2026140th St. Marsh2 observed

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

4/16/2026964 Trout Brook Rd, Hudson US-WI 45.00166, -92.720561 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/16/2026Hedlund Home (Not exact location)1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/15/2026Dog Park1 observed

Carolina Wren

Thryothorus ludovicianus

4/15/2026Fort Snelling SP--Visitor Center1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

4/15/2026Hedlund Home (Not exact location)1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/15/2026Tamarack Nature Preserve1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/15/2026140th St. Marsh1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Blue Heron

14/15/2026

American White Pelican

4/15/2026

Canada Goose

144/15/2026

Wood Duck

14/15/2026

Blue-winged Teal

244/15/2026

Northern Shoveler

44/15/2026

Mallard

24/15/2026

Green-winged Teal

54/15/2026

Virginia Rail

14/15/2026

Sandhill Crane

34/15/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

24/15/2026

Bald Eagle

44/15/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/15/2026

Northern Flicker

14/15/2026

Peregrine Falcon

14/15/2026

Tree Swallow

64/15/2026

American Robin

24/15/2026

Song Sparrow

14/15/2026

Swamp Sparrow

14/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

44/15/2026

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.