Grassland birding habitat

Waabizheshikana Trail (Western Waterfront Trail)

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Waabizheshikana Trail (Western Waterfront Trail) is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Downy Woodpecker 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

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

6/1/20261778 CR-5, Carlton US-MN 46.64353, -92.531032 observed

House Finch

Haemorhous mexicanus

5/31/20261305 E Fourth St, Superior US-WI 46.71411, -92.060491 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/31/2026Wisconsin Pt. (general)2 observed

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Catharus minimus

5/31/2026Wisconsin Pt.--Makwa Ziibiins Miikana (Bear Creek Trail) (west of Wisconsin Point Rd.)2 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

5/31/2026Wisconsin Pt.--Gull Bluff1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

5/31/2026Wisconsin Pt.--Gull Bluff1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026Moccasin Mike Rd.1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

5/30/2026The Little Porch1 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

5/30/2026Park Point Nature Trail1 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

5/29/2026Lake Superior (MN waters) viewed from Wisconsin Point1 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

5/29/2026Osaugie Trail1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

5/28/2026Park Point--Park Point Rec. Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Double-crested Cormorant

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

25/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

American Crow

25/31/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

15/31/2026

American Robin

25/31/2026

Cedar Waxwing

55/31/2026

House Finch

25/31/2026

American Goldfinch

15/31/2026

Chipping Sparrow

15/31/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

25/31/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

25/31/2026

Common Grackle

25/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/31/2026

American Redstart

15/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/31/2026

Canada Goose

65/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Waabizheshikana Trail (Western Waterfront Trail) for birding?
The best months to visit Waabizheshikana Trail (Western Waterfront Trail) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Waabizheshikana Trail (Western Waterfront Trail)?
Notable species at Waabizheshikana Trail (Western Waterfront Trail) include Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, American Crow. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Waabizheshikana Trail (Western Waterfront Trail)?
Birding at Waabizheshikana Trail (Western Waterfront Trail) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Waabizheshikana Trail (Western Waterfront Trail)?
Waabizheshikana Trail (Western Waterfront Trail) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.