Wetland birding habitat

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 255 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Ring-necked Pheasant 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

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

5/30/2026Crow River from Territorial Rd to Mississippi confluence2 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 - Wildlife Drive for birding?
The best months to visit Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
Notable species at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Ring-necked Pheasant, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
Birding at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.