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

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

6/1/2026East Mississippi River Flats, Minneapolis1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/31/2026Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve--Kelling Woods1 observed

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

5/31/2026Fish Creek Natural Area1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

5/31/20263424 Tall Pine Trail, Stillwater US-MN 45.05525, -92.859041 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

5/31/2026William O'Brien State Park1 observed

Golden-winged Warbler

Vermivora chrysoptera

5/31/2026William O'Brien State Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026Crosby Farm Regional Park1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

5/31/2026Keystone Woods WMA1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/29/2026Crosby Farm Regional Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

126/1/2026

Mourning Dove

16/1/2026

Green Heron

16/1/2026

Great Egret

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

46/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

26/1/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

26/1/2026

Northern Flicker

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

76/1/2026

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Least Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

56/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/1/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

16/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

66/1/2026

Blue Jay

36/1/2026

American Crow

26/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

36/1/2026

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 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.