Lake birding habitat

Willow Creek Reservoir

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
LakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Willow Creek Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, and Mallard 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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/17/20261807 60th Avenue Northwest, Byron, Minnesota, US (44.042, -92.558)1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

4/17/2026Cascade Lake Park1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Northern)

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/17/20261757–1899 60th Ave NW, Byron US-MN (44.0424,-92.5588)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

14/17/2026

Blue-winged Teal

64/17/2026

Mallard

24/17/2026

Green-winged Teal

44/17/2026

Greater Scaup

24/17/2026

Lesser Scaup

14/17/2026

Mourning Dove

14/17/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/17/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/17/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/17/2026

Blue Jay

34/17/2026

American Crow

14/17/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/17/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/17/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/17/2026

Purple Finch

14/17/2026

American Goldfinch

14/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Willow Creek Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Willow Creek Reservoir for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Willow Creek Reservoir?
Notable species at Willow Creek Reservoir include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports lake, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Willow Creek Reservoir?
Birding at Willow Creek Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Willow Creek Reservoir?
Willow Creek Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.