Lake birding habitat

Pelican Lake

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Pelican Lake is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 231 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Rock Pigeon 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

4/16/2026Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Big Lake US-MN 45.46587, -93.733841 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/14/2026Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive, Big Lake, Minnesota, US (45.47, -93.718)1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

4/14/2026Pintail Pond1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

4/12/2026Bailey Point Nature Preserve2 observed

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

4/11/2026Elk River Lion’s Park1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/9/2026Lake Fremont2 observed

Palm Warbler (Western)

Setophaga palmarum

4/8/2026Houlton Conservation Area1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (Krider's)

Buteo jamaicensis

4/8/2026Sherburne NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

654/11/2026

Trumpeter Swan

84/11/2026

Wood Duck

74/11/2026

Blue-winged Teal

144/11/2026

Northern Shoveler

574/11/2026

Gadwall

874/11/2026

American Wigeon

164/11/2026

Mallard

904/11/2026

Northern Pintail

14/11/2026

Green-winged Teal

224/11/2026

Canvasback

14/11/2026

Redhead

24/11/2026

Ring-necked Duck

3354/11/2026

Lesser Scaup

214/11/2026

Bufflehead

694/11/2026

Common Goldeneye

44/11/2026

Hooded Merganser

84/11/2026

Common Merganser

94/11/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

24/11/2026

Wild Turkey

24/11/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Pelican Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Pelican Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Pelican Lake?
Notable species at Pelican Lake include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pelican Lake?
Birding at Pelican Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Pelican Lake?
Pelican Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.