Grassland birding habitat

Oakdale Nature Preserve

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Oakdale Nature Preserve is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Downy Woodpecker 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 Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/16/2026Theodore Wirth Park1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/15/2026Hudson Blvd Ag pond2 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/15/2026140th St. Marsh1 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

7/15/20266056 44th Street North, Saint Paul, Minnesota, US (45.012, -92.983)YCNH1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/14/2026Hudson Blvd Ag. Pond2 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/14/2026Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve--Kelling Woods1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

7/14/20267690 Village Dr, Lino Lakes US-MN 45.17795, -93.109041 observed

Carolina Wren

Thryothorus ludovicianus

7/13/2026Fort Snelling SP--Visitor Center1 observed

Carolina Wren (Northern)

Thryothorus ludovicianus

7/12/2026Crosby Farm Regional Park1 observed

Merlin (Taiga)

Falco columbarius

7/12/2026705 East 7th Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota, US (44.959, -93.073)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

27/15/2026

Wood Duck

137/15/2026

Mallard

17/15/2026

Mourning Dove

37/15/2026

Chimney Swift

27/15/2026

Great Egret

47/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/15/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/15/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/15/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/15/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/15/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

37/15/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

17/15/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

27/15/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

37/15/2026

Blue Jay

17/15/2026

American Crow

17/15/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/15/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

47/15/2026

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 Oakdale Nature Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Oakdale Nature Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Oakdale Nature Preserve?
Notable species at Oakdale Nature Preserve include Canada Goose, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Oakdale Nature Preserve?
Birding at Oakdale Nature Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Oakdale Nature Preserve?
Oakdale Nature Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.