Great Gray Owl perched in snowy spruce forest at Sax-Zim Bog

Sax-Zim Bog

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

January-March

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open 24 hours (public roads and trails)

About This Location

Sax-Zim Bog is North America's premier winter birding destination for boreal species, situated in a vast peatland landscape of northern Minnesota. Birders travel from around the world to see Great Gray Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, and Boreal Chickadee in the bog's spruce forests.

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

Ring-necked Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus

6/2/2026McDavitt Rd1 observed

Snowy Owl

Bubo scandiacus

5/22/2026Phoenix Dragon Farm1 observed

American Tree Sparrow

Spizelloides arborea

5/20/20268495 County Road 202, Meadowlands, Minnesota, US (47.124, -92.727)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Hermit Thrush

15/24/2026

Chipping Sparrow

15/24/2026

White-throated Sparrow

35/24/2026

Swamp Sparrow

25/24/2026

Ovenbird

15/24/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/24/2026

American Redstart

35/24/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Join the Sax-Zim Bog Birding Festival in February

  2. 2

    Dress for extreme cold and drive slowly on back roads

  3. 3

    Winter birding can be rewarding for waterfowl, raptors, and winter finches

  4. 4

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

  5. 5

    Bring waterproof boots and scan the marsh edges for rails, herons, and bitterns

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sax-Zim Bog for birding?
The best months to visit Sax-Zim Bog for birding are January-March. The best seasons are Winter.
What birds can I see at Sax-Zim Bog?
Notable species at Sax-Zim Bog include Great Gray Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, Boreal Chickadee, Black-backed Woodpecker, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Pileated Woodpecker, Canada Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, Common Raven, Hairy Woodpecker. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sax-Zim Bog?
Birding at Sax-Zim Bog is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Sax-Zim Bog?
There is no entrance fee at Sax-Zim Bog. Hours: Open 24 hours (public roads and trails).
What amenities are available at Sax-Zim Bog?
Sax-Zim Bog offers the following amenities: Parking, Visitor Center.