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

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

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/16/2026Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Big Lake US-MN 45.46587, -93.733841 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/14/2026Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive, Big Lake, Minnesota, US (45.47, -93.718)1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

4/14/2026Pintail Pond1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

4/12/2026Bailey Point Nature Preserve2 observed

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

4/11/2026Elk River Lion’s Park1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/9/2026Lake Fremont2 observed

Palm Warbler (Western)

Setophaga palmarum

4/8/2026Houlton Conservation Area1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (Krider's)

Buteo jamaicensis

4/8/2026Sherburne NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

124/16/2026

Trumpeter Swan

144/16/2026

Blue-winged Teal

64/16/2026

Mallard

104/16/2026

Ring-necked Duck

224/16/2026

Mourning Dove

14/16/2026

Sandhill Crane

64/16/2026

Wilson's Snipe

24/16/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/16/2026

Bald Eagle

54/16/2026

Great Horned Owl

14/16/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Northern Flicker

64/16/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/16/2026

Blue Jay

14/16/2026

American Crow

54/16/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

64/16/2026

Tree Swallow

114/16/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/16/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/16/2026

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.