Saint Olaf College Natural Lands

Minnesota · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

GrasslandWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Saint Olaf College Natural Lands is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts American Crow, Canada Goose, 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

American Crow Canada Goose Mallard Bald Eagle Horned Lark

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

6/1/202622431 Wagon Wheel Trail, Lakeville, Minnesota, US (44.625, -93.338)1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)

Anser albifrons

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

Red-tailed Hawk (Krider's)

Buteo jamaicensis

5/23/2026Lake Byllesby Regional Park1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

5/20/2026Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve--Pet Trails1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

5/20/2026Western Cattle Egret Stakeout 20261 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

45/31/2026

Blue-winged Teal

45/31/2026

Mallard

25/31/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

15/31/2026

Sandhill Crane

25/31/2026

Killdeer

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

Eastern Bluebird

25/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

House Finch

15/31/2026

American Goldfinch

15/31/2026

Chipping Sparrow

15/31/2026

Clay-colored Sparrow

15/31/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

105/31/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/31/2026

Common Grackle

15/31/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.
2
Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Minnesota

Sax-Zim Bog

Premier winter destination for boreal owl species in Minnesota's vast peatlands.

140th Saint Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Minnesota with 233 recorded species.

180th Saint Marsh (Marshall's Marsh)

Wetland birding hotspot in Minnesota with 215 recorded species.

Minnesota Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Minnesota →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Saint Olaf College Natural Lands for birding?▼

The best months to visit Saint Olaf College Natural Lands for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Saint Olaf College Natural Lands?▼

Notable species at Saint Olaf College Natural Lands include American Crow, Canada Goose, Mallard, Bald Eagle, Horned Lark. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Saint Olaf College Natural Lands?▼

Birding at Saint Olaf College Natural Lands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Saint Olaf College Natural Lands?▼

Saint Olaf College Natural Lands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.