Grassland birding habitat

North Ottawa Impoundment

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

North Ottawa Impoundment is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Trumpeter Swan, Ring-necked Pheasant, and Bald Eagle among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

6/3/202629955 140th St, Herman US-MN 45.81730, -96.171281 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/3/202656274, Norcross US-MN (45.9648,-96.2442)2 observed

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

6/1/2026North Ottawa Impoundment1 observed

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

6/1/2026North Ottawa Impoundment1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

5/23/2026North Ottawa Impoundment2 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

5/23/202629955 140th Street, Herman, Minnesota, US (45.818, -96.171)1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

5/20/2026North Ottawa Impoundment1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Marbled Godwit

16/2/2026

Black-bellied Plover

16/2/2026

Western Meadowlark

16/2/2026

Canada Goose

2506/1/2026

Wood Duck

306/1/2026

Blue-winged Teal

606/1/2026

Cinnamon Teal

16/1/2026

Northern Shoveler

206/1/2026

Gadwall

206/1/2026

American Wigeon

16/1/2026

Mallard

5006/1/2026

American Black Duck

16/1/2026

Northern Pintail

16/1/2026

Green-winged Teal

26/1/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

56/1/2026

Rock Pigeon

36/1/2026

Mourning Dove

16/1/2026

Virginia Rail

26/1/2026

Sora

36/1/2026

American Coot

126/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 North Ottawa Impoundment for birding?
The best months to visit North Ottawa Impoundment for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at North Ottawa Impoundment?
Notable species at North Ottawa Impoundment include Trumpeter Swan, Ring-necked Pheasant, Bald Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at North Ottawa Impoundment?
Birding at North Ottawa Impoundment is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at North Ottawa Impoundment?
North Ottawa Impoundment offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.