Lake birding habitat

Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

4/12/202637101 390th Street, Aitkin, Minnesota, US (46.577, -93.626)8 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

4/11/2026390th Street Paddies1 observed

Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid)

Anas platyrhynchos x rubripes

4/11/2026390th Street Paddies1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

64/17/2026

Ring-necked Duck

324/17/2026

Common Merganser

44/17/2026

Common Loon

14/17/2026

Northern Flicker

24/17/2026

American Crow

24/17/2026

Wild Turkey

44/17/2026

Barred Owl

14/17/2026

American Robin

24/17/2026

American Tree Sparrow

54/17/2026

Canada Goose

24/17/2026

Wood Duck

14/17/2026

Mallard

14/17/2026

Wilson's Snipe

14/17/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/17/2026

Song Sparrow

14/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

34/17/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/17/2026

Bufflehead

24/17/2026

Ruffed Grouse

14/17/2026

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 Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.