Bird Watching
Due
to the unique transition zone of three ecosystems located within our County, bird
watchers enjoy their hobby here observing some 250 different species of
birds. Bring your binoculars and camera along and marvel at our variety of
feathered friends.
.:: Interactive Recreation Map ::.
Bird Watching
Explore and locate Bird Watching opportunities in our County using
our interactive recreation map.
| Greenwater Lake SNA |
Features:
This is an 815 acre SNA (Scientific & Natural Area).
Greenwater Lake is a pristine, spring fed lake with an
undeveloped shoreline. The site contains surrounding hills
covered with a mixed forest of aspen and birch. Visit the MN DNR
Greenwater Lake SNA page for more information.
|
Birds to look for:
22 types of Warblers, Thrushes, Sparrows, Grouse, Sora, Common
Yellowthroats, Swamp Sparrows, Sedge Wrens, Wilson's Snipe,
raptors, numerous woodland birds. |
Contact Information:
MN-DNR, Wildlife
14583 Co. Hwy. 19
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-7121
(218) 846-8374 |
|
Birding Info:
Greenwater Lake SNA Bird List |
The
Pine to Prairie Birding Trail
[trail map]
is a popular and internationally known birding trail that passes through
Becker County. The trail highlights our diverse collection of habitats
here in Nortwestern Minnesota that offers homes for an immense variety
of birds. Although the trail is over 200 miles long and contains 45
distinct birding destinations, our County is fortunate to contain 5
birding 'hotspots' popular with birders of all experience levels.
| Helliksen Prairie Waterfowl Production Area |
Features:
This is a 1372 acre native tall grass prairie with numerous
'prairie pothole' wetlands. The area is managed by the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service.
|
Birds to look for:
Waterfowl, Peregrine Falcon, Greater Prairie-Chicken, Sandhill
Crane, Upland Sandpiper, Common Snipe, Sedge and Marsh Wren,
prairie sparrows. |
Contact Information:
Detroit Lakes Wetlands Management District
26624 N. Tower Road
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(218) 847-4431
detroitlakes@fws.og
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/detroitlakes |
|
Pine to Prairie Birding Trail Info:
Helliksen Prairie Waterfowl Production Area |
| Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge |
Features:
This 3,200 acre USFWS refuge was established in 1989. The refuge
features the prairie wetland ecosystem and is located in the
prairie-hardwood transition zone.
|
Birds to look for:
Waterfowl, including Green-winged Teal, Canvasback, Redhead,
Common Goldeneye and Ruddy Duck. Shorebirds when marshes are in
drawdown, Snowy Owl (winter only), Sedge and Marsh Wrens,
grassland sparrows, Bobolink and Yellow-headed Blackbird.
Rarities seen include Cattle Egret and Piping Plover. |
Contact Information:
Hamden Slough NWR
21212 210th St.
Audubon, MN 56511
(218) 439-6319
hamdenslough@fws.gov
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/hamdenslough |
|
Pine to Prairie Birding Trail Info:
Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge |
| Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge |
Features:
Close to 43,000 acres. Prairie, bogs, hardwoods and pine
forests. The refuge has an interpretive center, hiking trails,
auto tour routes as well as boating available on refuge lakes
and ponds. Managed by the USFWS.
|
Birds to look for:
Common Loon; Trumpeter Swan; Wood Duck; Bald Eagle;
Red-shouldered and Broadwinged Hawks; Peregrine Falcon; Ruffed
Grouse; American Woodcock; Winter, Sedge and Marsh Wrens; many
neotropical migrants including 25 species of warblers possible
in mid-May. Rarities seen include: White-winged Scoter; Great
Gray Owl; Black-backed Woodpecker; Boreal Chickadee; Townsend’s
Solitaire; Northern Mockingbird; Cerulean Warbler and Spotted
Towhee. |
Contact Information:
Tamarac NWR
35704 Co. Hwy. 26
Rochert, MN 56578
(218) 847-2641
tamarac@fws.gov
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/tamarac |
|
Pine to Prairie Birding Trail Info:
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge |
| Detroit Lakes Wetlands Management
District - Marsh Trail & Boardwalk |
Features:
Cattail marsh; wetlands; prairie; tallgrass; Prairie Marsh Trail
and boardwalk. Managed by the USFWS.
|
Birds to look for:
Waterfowl including Trumpeter Swan and Canada Geese; Northern
Harrier; Common Nighthawk; woodpeckers; flycatchers; Sedge Wren;
Eastern Bluebird; prairie sparrows; Rose-breasted Grosbeak;
Baltimore Oriole; finches and osprey. An active osprey nest can
be viewed from the Prairie Marsh Trail. |
Contact Information:
Detroit Lakes Wetlands Management District
26624 N. Tower Road
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(218) 847-4431
detroitlakes@fws.og
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/detroitlakes |
|
Pine to Prairie Birding Trail Info:
D.L. Wetlands Mngmt
District - Marsh Trail & Boardwalk |
| Dunton Locks County Park |
Features:
County park located 2-1/2 miles south of Detroit Lakes. There
are hiking and bike trails in the park as well as two picnic
shelters. A wonderful feature is a restored waterway between
Muskrat Lake and Lake Sallie. The Detroit Lakes DNR office is
located adjacent to this county park.
|
Birds to look for:
Common Loon, Red-necked Grebe, waterfowl, woodpeckers, vireos,
warblers and finches. |
Contact Information:
Becker County
Parks and Recreation
200 State Street E.
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(218) 846-2612 |
|
Pine to Prairie Birding Trail Info:
Dunton Locks County Park |
Map/Directions
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