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

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

7/12/2026Hedlund Home (Not exact location)13 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/11/2026Forest Lake—west end4 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/10/202644th St cul-de-sac1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

7/9/2026WI from MN (Arcola Bluffs Day Use Area)1 observed

Golden-winged Warbler

Vermivora chrysoptera

7/9/2026Arcola Bluffs Day Use Area1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/8/2026Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve--Kelling Woods1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

7/4/2026Saint Croix River, Stillwater US-MN (45.0777,-92.8006)1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/2/2026William O'Brien State Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

17/11/2026

Green Heron

17/11/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/11/2026

Tree Swallow

27/11/2026

Northern House Wren

47/11/2026

Gray Catbird

27/11/2026

Eastern Bluebird

37/11/2026

Veery

17/11/2026

Cedar Waxwing

37/11/2026

American Goldfinch

27/11/2026

Chipping Sparrow

17/11/2026

Clay-colored Sparrow

37/11/2026

Field Sparrow

37/11/2026

Song Sparrow

17/11/2026

Eastern Towhee

27/11/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/11/2026

Common Yellowthroat

47/11/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/11/2026

Indigo Bunting

27/11/2026

Mourning Dove

27/11/2026

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.