Grassland birding habitat

Westwood Hills Nature Center

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Westwood Hills Nature Center is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Trumpeter Swan, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Hairy 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

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

6/1/2026East Mississippi River Flats, Minneapolis1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)

Anser albifrons

5/31/2026Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve (Scott Co.)1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

5/31/2026Lebanon Hills btwn Pilot Knob and Johnny Cake1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/31/2026Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve--Forest trails (Scott Co.)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026Crosby Farm Regional Park1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/29/2026Crosby Farm Regional Park1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

5/28/2026Hamilton1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/26/202613100 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, US (44.868, -93.445)1 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

5/26/2026Lebanon Hills Regional Park--Jensen Lake Loop1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

25/31/2026

Wild Turkey

85/31/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

45/31/2026

Common Loon

15/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

American Kestrel

15/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

35/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

15/31/2026

American Robin

245/31/2026

Cedar Waxwing

15/31/2026

American Goldfinch

15/31/2026

Song Sparrow

25/31/2026

Swamp Sparrow

25/31/2026

Baltimore Oriole

45/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

535/31/2026

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 Westwood Hills Nature Center for birding?
The best months to visit Westwood Hills Nature Center for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Westwood Hills Nature Center?
Notable species at Westwood Hills Nature Center include Trumpeter Swan, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, American Crow. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Westwood Hills Nature Center?
Birding at Westwood Hills Nature Center is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Westwood Hills Nature Center?
Westwood Hills Nature Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.