William O'Brien State Park

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

William O'Brien State Park is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Mallard, Downy 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

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/5/202655038, Hugo US-MN (45.1835,-92.9848)3 observed

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

3/3/2026964 Trout Brook Rd, Hudson US-WI 45.00166, -92.720561 observed

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

3/3/2026WI Home1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/3/2026Bridget Lake1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

2/28/2026964 Trout Brook Rd, Hudson US-WI 45.00166, -92.720561 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

2/27/2026Big Lake (north bay) area1 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

2/27/2026St. Croix River Boat Ramp and Boom Site--Stillwater1 observed

Bohemian Waxwing

Bombycilla garrulus

2/24/2026Forest Lake Rest Area100 observed

Red-winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus

2/24/2026Darci home1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

63/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

33/3/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

33/3/2026

American Robin

83/3/2026

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 William O'Brien State Park for birding?
The best months to visit William O'Brien State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at William O'Brien State Park?
Notable species at William O'Brien State Park include Mallard, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at William O'Brien State Park?
Birding at William O'Brien State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at William O'Brien State Park?
William O'Brien State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.