Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 265 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, 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

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

3/5/2026Veterans Memorial Park1 observed

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus satrapa

3/5/2026Minnesota Valley NWR--Bass Ponds1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/3/2026Blue Lake WTP1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (Harlan's)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/3/2026Colman Lake Trail1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/3/2026Lake Phalen1 observed

Carolina Wren (Northern)

Thryothorus ludovicianus

3/3/2026Dermatologists1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/1/2026Kaposia Landing1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

83/6/2026

Trumpeter Swan

463/6/2026

Mallard

353/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

143/6/2026

Common Merganser

183/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/6/2026

Bald Eagle

13/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

33/6/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

23/6/2026

Northern Flicker

13/6/2026

Blue Jay

43/6/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

23/6/2026

American Robin

253/6/2026

American Tree Sparrow

43/6/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

73/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

73/6/2026

American Crow

23/6/2026

Tundra Swan

33/5/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.

  5. 5

    Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds for birding?
The best months to visit Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds?
Notable species at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Mourning Dove, American Coot, Sandhill Crane, Blue Jay, Gadwall, American Black Duck, Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid). The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds?
Birding at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds?
There is no entrance fee at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds?
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.