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

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/3/2026Chester Woods2 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/3/2026DreamAcres Farm1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

6/2/202655934, Eyota US-MN 43.98701, -92.341101 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

6/2/2026542–598 Eighth St SW, Rochester US-MN 44.01481, -92.471141 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Osprey

16/1/2026

Canada Goose

125/31/2026

Wood Duck

15/31/2026

Mallard

105/31/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/31/2026

Killdeer

25/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

25/31/2026

Dunlin

15/31/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Alder Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

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.