River/Riparian birding habitat

Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
River/RiparianUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 225 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and urban park habitat attracts Barred Owl and Hairy 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

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/18/2026William O'Brien SP West1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

7/18/2026William O'Brien State Park1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/18/2026William O'Brien State Park1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

7/18/2026William O'Brien State Park1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/18/2026Forest Lake—west end1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/17/2026Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve--Kelling Woods1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/17/2026William O'Brien State Park1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/15/2026Hudson Blvd Ag pond2 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Blue Heron

17/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/17/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/17/2026

Northern Flicker

17/17/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/17/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/17/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

27/17/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

27/17/2026

Blue Jay

17/17/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

67/17/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

67/17/2026

Gray Catbird

37/17/2026

American Robin

37/17/2026

Cedar Waxwing

27/17/2026

American Goldfinch

47/17/2026

Song Sparrow

47/17/2026

Swamp Sparrow

37/17/2026

Common Yellowthroat

37/17/2026

American Redstart

67/17/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

27/17/2026

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 Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve for birding?
The best months to visit Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve?
Notable species at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve include Belted Kingfisher, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, Cedar Waxwing. The area supports river/riparian, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve?
Birding at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve?
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.