Wetland birding habitat

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge - Blue Hill Trail

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge - Blue Hill Trail is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, and Blue Jay 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

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

24/13/2026

Trumpeter Swan

24/13/2026

American Wigeon

14/13/2026

Ring-necked Duck

224/13/2026

Greater Scaup

44/13/2026

Lesser Scaup

124/13/2026

Bufflehead

24/13/2026

Sandhill Crane

14/13/2026

Ring-billed Gull

34/13/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

54/13/2026

Northern Harrier

14/13/2026

Bald Eagle

34/13/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/13/2026

Northern Flicker

24/13/2026

Blue Jay

74/13/2026

Common Raven

14/13/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

24/13/2026

Tree Swallow

34/13/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

124/13/2026

Brown Creeper

14/13/2026

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 - Blue Hill Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge - Blue Hill Trail for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge - Blue Hill Trail?
Notable species at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge - Blue Hill Trail include Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge - Blue Hill Trail?
Birding at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge - Blue Hill Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge - Blue Hill Trail?
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge - Blue Hill Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.