Willow Creek Reservoir

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
LakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Willow Creek Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, 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

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

3/5/20261087–1131 US-14 W, Rochester US-MN (44.0070,-92.4766)2 observed

American Woodcock

Scolopax minor

3/2/2026County 9 Marsh1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

2/28/2026Home1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (Krider's)

Buteo jamaicensis

2/27/2026Oakwood Cemetery--Rochester1 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

2/27/20266162–6498 51st St NE, Rochester US-MN 44.07523, -92.339244 observed

White-winged Crossbill

Loxia leucoptera

2/26/2026Oxbow Park Drive, Byron, Minnesota, US (44.075, -92.65)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

3/6/2026

Mallard

3/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

13/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

33/6/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

13/6/2026

Killdeer

13/6/2026

Bald Eagle

13/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

33/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/6/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

23/6/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Northern Flicker

13/6/2026

Blue Jay

63/6/2026

American Crow

23/6/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

53/6/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/6/2026

American Robin

53/6/2026

House Finch

53/6/2026

American Tree Sparrow

23/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Willow Creek Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Willow Creek Reservoir for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Willow Creek Reservoir?
Notable species at Willow Creek Reservoir include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports lake, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Willow Creek Reservoir?
Birding at Willow Creek Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Willow Creek Reservoir?
Willow Creek Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.