Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

3/3/2026Minnesota River Trail1 observed

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

3/3/2026Minnesota River Trail1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/3/2026Big Stone Lake--Riverside Park1 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

3/2/2026Marsh Lake Dam1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

2/27/2026Minnesota River Trail2 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

2/25/2026Big Stone Lake--Riverside Park1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

2/25/2026Big Stone Lake--Riverside Park12 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

2/25/2026Big Stone Lake--Riverside Park2 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

2/25/2026Big Stone Lake--Riverside Park51 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

2/25/2026Big Stone Lake--Riverside Park2 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

2/23/2026Marsh Lake Dam4 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

2/23/2026Marsh Lake Dam6 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

2/23/2026Marsh Lake Dam1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

2/21/2026Ortonville Dam2 observed

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge?
Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.