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

Loading map...

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

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

4/15/2026Sax-Zim Bog--Winterberry Bog2 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

4/13/2026Bass Ponds1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

4/10/202655724, Cotton US-MN (47.2131,-92.6062)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Kestrel

14/15/2026

Mallard

24/15/2026

Killdeer

34/15/2026

Wilson's Snipe

14/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/15/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/15/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Northern Flicker

14/15/2026

American Robin

204/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

204/15/2026

Ruffed Grouse

14/15/2026

Rough-legged Hawk

14/15/2026

American Crow

14/15/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

14/15/2026

American Woodcock

14/14/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/14/2026

Wood Duck

24/14/2026

Northern Harrier

14/14/2026

Canada Goose

24/14/2026

Trumpeter Swan

84/14/2026

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.