By Sharon Stiteler, Park Ranger, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

A Blue Jay is perched on a branch. It has light blue on its head with black around the eyes and neck. Bluejay - NPS — Bluejay - *NPS*

The key to excellent birding in the fall and winter is finding spots with open water. In September and well into late October, Coldwater Spring is great for native sparrows, thrushes, warblers, and vireos. The prairie plant seeds provide food for white-crowned sparrows, fox sparrows, and American tree sparrows. The wooded edges are better habitat for hermit thrushes and the occasional bluebird.

Pileated woodpecker on a silver maple tree in Ramsey County, MN. - NPS — Pileated woodpecker on a silver maple tree in Ramsey County, MN. - *NPS*

The trails along Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge are another prime birding spot. Their bird feeders can provide fun views of fox sparrows, sharp-shinned hawks, and even the pileated woodpecker. The trails are also host to many warblers and native sparrows. If you can find mudflats, you might see shorebirds nearby. Sometimes a winter wren will spend the winter around the Bass Ponds trail.

Northern cardinal at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - NPS — Northern cardinal at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - *NPS*

The Mississippi River is a major migratory corridor and many areas within our park are great for songbirds including these regional parks: Hidden Falls, Mississippi Gateway, and North Mississippi. If you are interested in big birds like bald eagles and wild turkeys, then Pike Island is the spot for you. Also, keep an eye and ear open for the resident barred owls hooting near the parking lots.

Trumpeter Swan at Lilydale Regional Park - NPS — Trumpeter Swan at Lilydale Regional Park - *NPS*

Once the temperatures seriously drop and the river starts to freeze, Point Douglas Park in Hastings is a popular birding spot. The confluence of the St. Croix River and the Mississippi River attracts birders all winter searching for bald eagles, trumpeter swans, common mergansers, and common goldeneyes. If you’re lucky, sometimes rarities show up like a harlequin duck or glaucous gull. If you have a spotting scope, bring it along and be ready for some biting wind off of the open water.

Read more seasonal articles in our Fall-Winter 2020-21 newsletter!

Fall and Winter Birding Tips From A Pro