Westwood Hills Nature Center

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Westwood Hills Nature Center is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Trumpeter Swan, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Hairy 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

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

3/5/2026Veterans Memorial Park1 observed

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus satrapa

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

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

3/4/2026Elsie Stephens Park1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/4/2026Edward Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

23/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

33/4/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

23/4/2026

American Crow

43/4/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

63/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

33/4/2026

American Tree Sparrow

43/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

23/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

103/4/2026

Barred Owl

13/1/2026

Brown Creeper

13/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/1/2026

Wild Turkey

42/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/28/2026

House Finch

42/28/2026

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 Westwood Hills Nature Center for birding?
The best months to visit Westwood Hills Nature Center for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Westwood Hills Nature Center?
Notable species at Westwood Hills Nature Center include Trumpeter Swan, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, American Crow. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Westwood Hills Nature Center?
Birding at Westwood Hills Nature Center is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Westwood Hills Nature Center?
Westwood Hills Nature Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.