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

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

6/2/2026Hidden Knoll Park trail system1 observed

Golden-winged Warbler

Vermivora chrysoptera

6/2/2026William O'Brien State Park1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/1/2026Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve--Kelling Woods1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/1/2026208 Linden St W, Stillwater US-MN 45.05863, -92.812061 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

5/31/2026Riverwood Nature Center1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

5/31/2026William O'Brien State Park1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

5/31/2026Keystone Woods WMA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

266/2/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

16/2/2026

Mourning Dove

16/2/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/2/2026

Northern Harrier

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

46/2/2026

Alder Flycatcher

26/2/2026

Willow Flycatcher

36/2/2026

Eastern Phoebe

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/2/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

26/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

66/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

American Crow

16/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

56/2/2026

Tree Swallow

16/2/2026

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.