River/Riparian birding habitat

Purgatory Creek Wetlands

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Purgatory Creek Wetlands is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 236 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Mallard 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

Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)

Anser albifrons

5/31/2026Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve (Scott Co.)1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

5/31/2026Lebanon Hills btwn Pilot Knob and Johnny Cake1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/31/2026Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve--Forest trails (Scott Co.)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026Crosby Farm Regional Park1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/29/2026Crosby Farm Regional Park1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/26/202613100 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, US (44.868, -93.445)1 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

5/26/2026Lebanon Hills Regional Park--Jensen Lake Loop1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

205/31/2026

Wood Duck

25/31/2026

Mallard

35/31/2026

Rock Pigeon

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Killdeer

35/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/31/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

35/31/2026

Tree Swallow

25/31/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

25/31/2026

Barn Swallow

35/31/2026

Cliff Swallow

35/31/2026

Gray Catbird

35/31/2026

American Robin

55/31/2026

American Goldfinch

65/31/2026

Song Sparrow

25/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

185/31/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

45/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Purgatory Creek Wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit Purgatory Creek Wetlands for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Purgatory Creek Wetlands?
Notable species at Purgatory Creek Wetlands include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Purgatory Creek Wetlands?
Birding at Purgatory Creek Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Purgatory Creek Wetlands?
Purgatory Creek Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.