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

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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

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/10/2026North Ottawa Impoundment1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/5/2026240th St, No. Ottawa Impoundment1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

7/5/2026North Ottawa Impoundment2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

27/11/2026

Wood Duck

37/11/2026

Mallard

1507/11/2026

Killdeer

157/11/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

27/11/2026

Wilson's Snipe

17/11/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/11/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

27/11/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/11/2026

Stilt Sandpiper

37/11/2026

Franklin's Gull

137/11/2026

Ring-billed Gull

187/11/2026

Caspian Tern

27/11/2026

Forster's Tern

57/11/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

27/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

147/11/2026

Great Egret

147/11/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/11/2026

American White Pelican

617/11/2026

Eastern Kingbird

67/11/2026

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.