Wetland birding habitat

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 245 species recorded on eBird. This 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

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

5/31/2026Sherburne NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Northern Saw-whet Owl (acadicus)

Aegolius acadicus

5/31/2026Sherburne NWR--Wildlife Drive3 observed

Common Gallinule (American)

Gallinula galeata

5/31/2026Sherburne NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/31/2026Sherburne NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

15/31/2026

Canada Goose

55/31/2026

Trumpeter Swan

95/31/2026

Wood Duck

45/31/2026

Blue-winged Teal

55/31/2026

Mallard

35/31/2026

Black Tern

55/31/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/31/2026

Green Heron

25/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Northern Saw-whet Owl

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Purple Martin

35/31/2026

Gray Catbird

15/31/2026

Brown Thrasher

15/31/2026

Cedar Waxwing

15/31/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

15/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge?
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.