Grassland birding habitat

William O'Brien State Park

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

William O'Brien State Park is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Mallard, Downy 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

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/16/2026Ursa Major1 observed

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

4/16/2026964 Trout Brook Rd, Hudson US-WI 45.00166, -92.720561 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

4/16/2026Crystal Spring SNA1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/16/2026Hedlund Home (Not exact location)1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

4/15/2026Hedlund Home (Not exact location)1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

4/14/2026572 North Day Road1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/14/2026Willow River State Park, Hudson US-WI 45.01187, -92.690132 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/13/2026Serendipity1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/12/2026

Wood Duck

54/12/2026

Mallard

24/12/2026

Wild Turkey

14/12/2026

Ruffed Grouse

14/12/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/12/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/12/2026

Killdeer

14/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/12/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

14/12/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

14/12/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

14/12/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/12/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/12/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/12/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/12/2026

Northern Flicker

34/12/2026

Eastern Phoebe

24/12/2026

Blue Jay

54/12/2026

American Crow

14/12/2026

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 William O'Brien State Park for birding?
The best months to visit William O'Brien State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at William O'Brien State Park?
Notable species at William O'Brien State Park include Mallard, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at William O'Brien State Park?
Birding at William O'Brien State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at William O'Brien State Park?
William O'Brien State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.