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
Carolina Wren
Thryothorus ludovicianus
Rough-legged Hawk
Buteo lagopus
Red-tailed Hawk (Krider's)
Buteo jamaicensis
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
American Crow
Canada Goose
Trumpeter Swan
Wood Duck
Mallard
Mourning Dove
Double-crested Cormorant
Green Heron
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Barn Swallow
Gray Catbird
American Robin
American Goldfinch
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Blue Jay
Downy Woodpecker
Eastern Kingbird
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 →