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

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

6/3/2026Sherburne NWR--Wildlife Drive5 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

6/2/2026Variolite St & 401st Ave Marsh1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

16/2/2026

Ring-necked Duck

26/2/2026

Mourning Dove

36/2/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

16/2/2026

Common Loon

26/2/2026

American White Pelican

356/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

26/2/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

36/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

66/2/2026

Least Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Eastern Phoebe

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

26/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

56/2/2026

Blue Jay

26/2/2026

American Crow

16/2/2026

Tree Swallow

46/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

36/2/2026

Northern House Wren

26/2/2026

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.