Established as a place for migratory birds, Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge attracts over 230 different bird species each year to its diverse habitats. Depending on the season, songbirds, raptors and waterfowl abound throughout the refuge. The over 30,700 acres of oak savanna and wetland habitats offer excellent birding opportunities on the Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive, and the Blue Hill, Mahnomen and Oak Savanna Learning Center hiking trails.
Hours
Daily from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
Locations
Daily: Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive and hiking trails, Mahnomen Trail, Blue Hill Trail, Oak Savanna Learning Center Trails, designated canoe route and fishing access points.
September 1 to February 28: Most of the refuge, excluding closed areas as portrayed on the map of the refuge general information brochure, is open to birding.
Know Before You Go
- From March 1 through August 31, please observe all posted signs and remain within 100 feet of designated trails and the Wildlife Drive to help protect breeding wildlife and nesting areas.
- Please refer to the full list of refuge rules and policies before visiting.
- Binoculars can be checked out for free daily use at Refuge Headquarters during operating hours.
- Guided Bird Walks and other birding programs are offered throughout the year. These programs are free and open to all ages.
- Wildlife is most active during the early morning and evening hours, making these the best times for viewing.
- The best bird migration viewing opportunities typically occur during the first two weeks of May and the middle two weeks of October.
- June is peak nesting season, when adults are actively feeding young.
- Merlin, eBird and iNaturalist can be good resources to help with wildlife observation.
Points of Interest
Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive and Hiking Trails
Along the Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive, you will find a variety of habitats and their associated birds. In wetlands, shorebirds frequent the pool edges and migrating waterfowl are plentiful in the spring and fall. Nesting wetland birds remain through the summer season. Migrating and resident birds associated with woodland edges can be observed in scattered patches of trees. Fields of native prairie grasses and wildflowers provide habitat and viewing opportunities for grassland birds. Check water control structures along the Wildlife Drive for green herons, belted kingfishers and great blue herons. Along the first two miles of the Wildlife Drive, watch for grasshopper, vesper and savanna sparrows, as well as eastern meadowlarks and dickcissels. Although trumpeter swans can be found throughout the refuge, mile marker 4 on the Drive is usually a reliable spot to view them. Hike through the deciduous forest on the Woodland Trail. This trail is a hotspot for warblers and songbirds during spring and fall migration. Just after the Woodland Trail, look for sandhill cranes and other wading birds in the shallow areas of Stickney and Nelson Pools.
Blue Hill Trail
The habitat along the Blue Hill trail is mostly upland with scattered wetlands. Blue Hill rises nearly 100 feet above its flat surroundings and offers excellent viewing for spring migrants.
Mahnomen Trail
The habitat along the Mahnomen trail is mostly upland with scattered wetlands. This trail is a hotspot for warblers and songbirds during spring and fall migration.
Oak Savanna Learning Center Trails
The Oak Savanna Learning Center hiking trails provide shorter loops that traverse a variety of habitats, including upland, oak savanna, deciduous forest and wetland. Grassland birds may be seen as well as species associated with woodland and oak savanna.
Sandhill Cranes at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge
More than 50 pairs of sandhill cranes nest and raise their young on the refuge throughout spring and summer. During fall migration, Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge serves as Minnesota’s largest migration stop-over for sandhill cranes, providing excellent viewing opportunities. Crane numbers begin increasing in October and often peak in early November, when more than 15,000 birds may be present.
