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

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

7/14/2026French River Wayside2 observed

Great Egret

Ardea alba

7/14/2026Esko Ball Fields1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

7/11/20267401–7499 WIS-13, South Range US-WI 46.64762, -91.918851 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/8/2026Slag Point (Morgan Park Mudflats)1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/6/2026Slag Point (Morgan Park Mudflats)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

87/19/2026

Mallard

267/19/2026

Hooded Merganser

27/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

587/19/2026

Mourning Dove

87/19/2026

Chimney Swift

27/19/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

27/19/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/19/2026

Ring-billed Gull

337/19/2026

Bald Eagle

27/19/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

27/19/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Downy Woodpecker

37/19/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

67/19/2026

Northern Flicker

27/19/2026

Alder Flycatcher

27/19/2026

Least Flycatcher

17/19/2026

Eastern Phoebe

27/19/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

47/19/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

217/19/2026

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.