The Refuge's 14,000 acres include prairies, woodlands, marshes, forests, savannas, and lakes that attract many types of shorebirds, waterfowl, and songbirds to the refuge as a stopover on their migration route between their breeding grounds further north and their wintering areas in the south. Annually over 200 species of birds can be found at the Refuge, with over 100 species nesting here.
Getting started
Looking for birds can be as simple as raising your eyes to the trees or glancing across a wetland to see what you find. The simplest tools are your own senses, and we offer a number of ways to build your knowledge including reoccurring programs and guided walks. To advance your birding experience, a set of binoculars and a bird book (or birding app for your smartphone) can help.
Learn with others
With many staff and volunteer-led birding programs, there are many ways to give birding a try. From birding 101 presentations to guided bird walks. We also partner with the Minnesota River Valley Audubon Chapter to provide monthly presentations, and guided bird walks suited for beginners.
Where to go
Want to find a convenient location to look for birds? We have over 45 miles of trails, and many popular locations where you can easily look for birds and other wildlife.