Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Louisville Swamp

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Louisville Swamp is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Trumpeter Swan, Bald Eagle, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/3/2026Blue Lake WTP1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (Harlan's)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/3/2026Colman Lake Trail1 observed

Carolina Wren (Northern)

Thryothorus ludovicianus

3/3/2026Dermatologists1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/1/202625538–25998 Meridian Cir, Belle Plaine US-MN 44.57179, -93.769251 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

23/1/2026

Bald Eagle

43/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

33/1/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

33/1/2026

Northern Flicker

13/1/2026

Blue Jay

73/1/2026

American Crow

93/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

153/1/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

63/1/2026

Brown Creeper

23/1/2026

American Robin

203/1/2026

American Goldfinch

33/1/2026

American Tree Sparrow

173/1/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

63/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

53/1/2026

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 - Louisville Swamp for birding?
The best months to visit Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Louisville Swamp 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 - Louisville Swamp?
Notable species at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Louisville Swamp include Trumpeter Swan, Bald Eagle, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Louisville Swamp?
Birding at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Louisville Swamp is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Louisville Swamp?
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Louisville Swamp offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.