Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wild Turkey, and Rock Pigeon 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

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

3/6/2026Nine Mile Creek1 observed

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

Rock Pigeon

133/6/2026

American Crow

23/6/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

33/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/6/2026

Common Grackle

13/6/2026

Canada Goose

183/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/6/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

23/6/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

13/6/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/6/2026

House Finch

53/6/2026

Blue Jay

13/6/2026

Bald Eagle

23/5/2026

American Robin

13/5/2026

House Sparrow

23/5/2026

American Tree Sparrow

13/5/2026

Wild Turkey

23/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/3/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/3/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters for birding?
The best months to visit Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters 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 - Headquarters?
Notable species at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters include Canada Goose, Wild Turkey, Rock Pigeon, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters?
Birding at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters?
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.