Purgatory Creek Wetlands

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Purgatory Creek Wetlands is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 236 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian 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

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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/4/2026Edward Lake1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

23/5/2026

Canada Goose

283/5/2026

Trumpeter Swan

23/5/2026

Mallard

63/5/2026

Common Merganser

23/5/2026

Bald Eagle

13/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

13/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

13/5/2026

Rock Pigeon

23/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

American Crow

23/5/2026

American Robin

13/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

33/4/2026

Blue Jay

13/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/4/2026

European Starling

33/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

53/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

43/4/2026

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 Purgatory Creek Wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit Purgatory Creek Wetlands for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Purgatory Creek Wetlands?
Notable species at Purgatory Creek Wetlands include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Purgatory Creek Wetlands?
Birding at Purgatory Creek Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Purgatory Creek Wetlands?
Purgatory Creek Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.