Birdwatching is a fascinating hobby that is also a great excuse to get outside and enjoy the natural world. There are hundreds of bird species to discover around Rochester, MN, so we’ve thrown together this quick list of the best places to get you started.
3 Great Spots for Birdwatching Near Rochester, MN
1. Quarry Hill Nature Center
Quarry Hill Nature Center provides a colorful riot of bird species that will delight novices and experienced birders alike. The varied habitat and abundance of water make the nature center an ideal home for resident and migratory birds alike. It’s possible to check out binoculars and guides from the Center to help you, as well as a checklist of birds found in the area so you can cross off the ones you spot.
Bird sightings here are best in the springtime, but you can be sure of some great sightings all year round. Common species include warblers, waxwings, thrushes, and sparrows, with orioles and rose-breasted grosbeaks often seen in May. Keep an eye out for black-capped chickadees, who are very tolerant of people and might let you get quite close.
2. Eastside Wildlife Management Area
Located on the eastern edge of Rochester, Eastside Wildlife Management Area is perfect for viewing the many species of waterfowl that either reside in or pass through Minnesota, with over 20 acres of open water that attracts herons, ducks, coots, and loons. An access trail leads to a wooden observation platform overlooking the lakes and grassland. Be aware that the area is also used by hunters, so make sure to wear something visible in season.
Some of the birds that can be found here include American white pelicans: unmistakable birds with an impressive wingspan. Sandhill cranes have recently recovered in numbers and are now frequently seen during the spring and fall migrations, with a few nesting in the area. Tundra and trumpeter swans are sometimes seen here, as are smaller birds such as sora rails, marsh wrens, red-winged blackbirds, and belted kingfishers.
3. Whitewater State Park
Whitewater State Park is part of the large Whitewater Valleys Important Bird Area, a huge 46,000-acre region that has been recognized as being especially important for birdlife. The area is made up of a diverse range of habitats, from high, rocky bluffs to secluded creeks and streams and of course the Whitewater River itself, all three branches of which are covered by the area.
Heading to the state park, in the center of the IBA is the easiest way to experience the beauty of the bird area, and the 250 species that either pass through or breed here every year. Some of the most important species to keep an eye out for are sandhill cranes and bald eagles, as well as several species of migratory warbler and the black-billed cuckoo.
This short list only encompasses a few of the best birding spots in the area, but there are enough bird species here to keep even the most intrepid birder busy for quite some time! Need a new car to take you to these amazing spots? Then visit us at Rochester Toyota today, and we’ll soon find you your perfect ride.
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