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

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

6/1/2026Fish Lake Nature Trails1 observed

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

76/1/2026

Mallard

16/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/1/2026

American White Pelican

56/1/2026

Osprey

16/1/2026

Bald Eagle

16/1/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

36/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

16/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/1/2026

Cliff Swallow

56/1/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

26/1/2026

Sedge Wren

16/1/2026

Gray Catbird

26/1/2026

American Robin

16/1/2026

Song Sparrow

26/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

56/1/2026

Common Yellowthroat

26/1/2026

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.