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

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

Trumpeter Swan

14/16/2026

Wild Turkey

14/16/2026

Canada Goose

164/16/2026

Wood Duck

54/16/2026

Blue-winged Teal

104/16/2026

Mallard

84/16/2026

Ring-necked Duck

204/16/2026

Lesser Scaup

54/16/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

24/16/2026

American Coot

14/16/2026

Sandhill Crane

104/16/2026

Killdeer

14/16/2026

Wilson's Snipe

4/16/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/16/2026

Common Loon

34/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

44/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/16/2026

Northern Harrier

24/16/2026

Bald Eagle

44/16/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

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 - 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.