Wood Lake Nature Center
Minnesota · Midwest
Easy
April-May, September-October
Free
Trails: 7 AM - 10 PM daily; Center: Mon-Sat 8:30 AM - 5 PM, Sun noon - 5 PM
About This Location
Wood Lake Nature Center is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Wild Turkey 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
Turkey Vulture
Cathartes aura
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Regulus satrapa
Blue-winged Teal
Spatula discors
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalis
Red-tailed Hawk (Harlan's)
Buteo jamaicensis
Carolina Wren (Northern)
Thryothorus ludovicianus
American White Pelican
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Mallard
Hairy Woodpecker
Merlin
Wild Turkey
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Tree Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Hooded Merganser
European Starling
Birding Tips
- 1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
- 2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
- 3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.
- 4
A spotting scope is essential here — many waterbirds stay far from shore and are difficult to identify with binoculars alone.
- 5
Winter months bring peak waterfowl diversity — visit November through February for the best duck and goose viewing.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Minnesota Valley NWR
- Hyland Lake Park Reserve
- Richardson Nature Center