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

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/7/2026Martinland15 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/5/2026Harry Larson County Forest1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/1/2026Big Lake--Lakeside Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

27/3/2026

Mourning Dove

17/3/2026

Sandhill Crane

27/3/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/3/2026

Blue Jay

27/3/2026

American Crow

37/3/2026

Tree Swallow

27/3/2026

Barn Swallow

37/3/2026

Gray Catbird

17/3/2026

Brown Thrasher

17/3/2026

Field Sparrow

27/3/2026

Eastern Towhee

27/3/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

17/3/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/3/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

27/3/2026

American Redstart

17/3/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

27/3/2026

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

17/3/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/3/2026

Dickcissel

27/3/2026

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.