Wood Lake Nature Center
Minnesota · Midwest
Easy
April-May, September-October
Free
Trails: 7 AM - 10 PM daily; Center: Mon-Sat 8:30 AM - 5 PM, Sun noon - 5 PM
About This Location
Wood Lake Nature Center is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Wild Turkey 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
Blue Grosbeak
Passerina caerulea
Western Tanager
Piranga ludoviciana
Horned Grebe
Podiceps auritus
Pine Warbler
Setophaga pinus
Hooded Warbler
Setophaga citrina
Summer Tanager
Piranga rubra
Tufted Titmouse
Baeolophus bicolor
Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)
Anser albifrons
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifrons
Northern Parula
Setophaga americana
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Mallard
American Crow
Trumpeter Swan
Wood Duck
Mourning Dove
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Black-capped Chickadee
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
American Robin
Song Sparrow
Baltimore Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Birding Tips
- 1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
- 2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
- 3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.
- 4
A spotting scope is essential here — many waterbirds stay far from shore and are difficult to identify with binoculars alone.
- 5
Winter months bring peak waterfowl diversity — visit November through February for the best duck and goose viewing.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Minnesota Valley NWR
- Hyland Lake Park Reserve
- Richardson Nature Center
More in Minnesota
Minnesota Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Minnesota →