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

Loading map...

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 Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/17/2026Casita Crystal Yard Birds2 observed

Carolina Wren

Thryothorus ludovicianus

7/17/2026Fort Snelling SP1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/16/2026French Lake1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

7/15/2026French Lake2 observed

Carolina Wren (Northern)

Thryothorus ludovicianus

7/12/2026Crosby Farm Regional Park1 observed

Merlin (Taiga)

Falco columbarius

7/12/2026705 East 7th Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota, US (44.959, -93.073)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

77/15/2026

Mallard

157/15/2026

Mourning Dove

17/15/2026

Chimney Swift

17/15/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/15/2026

Green Heron

17/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

27/15/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

27/15/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

37/15/2026

Eastern Phoebe

37/15/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/15/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

67/15/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

57/15/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

27/15/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

27/15/2026

Northern House Wren

37/15/2026

Gray Catbird

27/15/2026

American Robin

97/15/2026

Cedar Waxwing

37/15/2026

House Sparrow

17/15/2026

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.