Grassland birding habitat

Whitewater State Park

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Whitewater State Park is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts American Crow, American Kestrel, and White-breasted Nuthatch 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

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

4/12/2026Home1 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

4/11/20266162–6498 51st St NE, Rochester US-MN 44.07523, -92.339241 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/9/20262133 Margaret St NE1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

4/5/2026892–1198 Prairie Island Rd N, Winona US-MN 44.08731, -91.707683 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

64/13/2026

Northern Shoveler

84/13/2026

Mourning Dove

44/13/2026

Sandhill Crane

44/13/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/13/2026

American White Pelican

304/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

84/13/2026

Bald Eagle

24/13/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/13/2026

Northern Flicker

14/13/2026

Eastern Phoebe

44/13/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

44/13/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

14/13/2026

Brown Thrasher

24/13/2026

Cedar Waxwing

44/13/2026

Song Sparrow

44/13/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

64/13/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

104/13/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/13/2026

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 Whitewater State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Whitewater State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Whitewater State Park?
Notable species at Whitewater State Park include American Crow, American Kestrel, White-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebird. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Whitewater State Park?
Birding at Whitewater State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Whitewater State Park?
Whitewater State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.