Carpenter Nature Center

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Carpenter Nature Center is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Mourning Dove 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

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

3/3/2026964 Trout Brook Rd, Hudson US-WI 45.00166, -92.720561 observed

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

3/3/2026WI Home1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/1/2026Kaposia Landing1 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

3/1/2026Hastings Sand Coulee SNA--North Unit1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

2/28/2026964 Trout Brook Rd, Hudson US-WI 45.00166, -92.720561 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

2/28/2026Oriole

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

2/26/2026180th St. Marsh (Marshall's Marsh)1 observed

Red-winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus

2/24/2026Darci home1 observed

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

2/21/2026180th St. Marsh (Marshall's Marsh)1 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

2/21/202611825 205th Street East, Hastings, Minnesota, US (44.652, -92.867)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

63/5/2026

Trumpeter Swan

123/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

43/5/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Blue Jay

63/5/2026

American Crow

23/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

43/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

43/5/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

13/5/2026

American Robin

63/5/2026

House Sparrow

23/5/2026

House Finch

43/5/2026

American Goldfinch

23/5/2026

American Tree Sparrow

23/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

43/5/2026

Common Grackle

13/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Carpenter Nature Center for birding?
The best months to visit Carpenter Nature Center for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Carpenter Nature Center?
Notable species at Carpenter Nature Center include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Carpenter Nature Center?
Birding at Carpenter Nature Center is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Carpenter Nature Center?
Carpenter Nature Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.