Oakdale Nature Preserve

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Oakdale Nature Preserve is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Downy 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

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

3/5/2026Veterans Memorial Park1 observed

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus satrapa

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

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

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/2/20261207 CTH-V, Hudson US-WI 45.03655, -92.738752 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/1/2026Kaposia Landing1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

63/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

43/6/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/6/2026

American Robin

33/6/2026

Canada Goose

23/2/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

23/2/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

23/2/2026

Blue Jay

23/2/2026

American Crow

3/2/2026

American Goldfinch

13/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

3/2/2026

Barred Owl

12/26/2026

Great Horned Owl

12/24/2026

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 Oakdale Nature Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Oakdale Nature Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Oakdale Nature Preserve?
Notable species at Oakdale Nature Preserve include Canada Goose, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Oakdale Nature Preserve?
Birding at Oakdale Nature Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Oakdale Nature Preserve?
Oakdale Nature Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.