Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2 is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Common Merganser, Rock Pigeon, and Bald Eagle 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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/3/2026Lake Phalen1 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

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

2/28/2026Minnesota Valley NWR--Headquarters2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

2/28/2026Oriole

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

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

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

2/24/2026Black Dog Lake outlet1 observed

Red-winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus

2/24/2026Darci home1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Merganser

82/25/2026

Rock Pigeon

142/25/2026

Bald Eagle

82/25/2026

Northern Shrike

12/25/2026

American Crow

42/25/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2 for birding?
The best months to visit Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2 for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2?
Notable species at Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2 include Common Merganser, Rock Pigeon, Bald Eagle, Northern Shrike, American Crow. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2?
Birding at Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2 is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2?
Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2 offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.