-
Custom Order Now
- Shop Now
If you are looking for a great hobby that gets you outdoors, look no further. Birding requires a keen eye and patience, but spotting something new or rare can be very rewarding. Fortunately, Rochester has no shortage of great spots to see birds, so grab your binoculars, hop in your Ford Maverick, and get out there. Read on to discover our favorite places to go birdwatching near Rochester, MN.
5 Great Birdwatching Spots Near Rochester, MN
1. Izaak Walton Wetlands
This wetland can be found at 4400-5198 Salem Road Southwest. The area is surrounded by woods and crossed with walking trails, offering plenty of opportunities for spotting forest birds as well as wetland species. Geese and cranes can be seen here, as well as several woodpecker species and wild turkeys. Warmer months see the area filled with warblers and other songbird species, making this a great birding destination year-round.
2. Silver Creek Reservoir
This small lake is located about seven miles east of Rochester and can be accessed from 55th Ave. Northeast and Silver Creek Road Northeast via the Haverhill Wildlife Management Area. There are a few stands of trees here that are home to woodland species, but the waterbirds that flock to the lake are the main highlight here. You can find many aquatic birds here, including over 15 species of ducks, grebes, and swans.
3. Quarry Hill Park & Nature Center
Located at 701 Silver Creed Road Northeast, on the east side of Rochester, you can find Quarry Hill Park. Aside from offering a beautiful scenic view of Rochester, the park also has lots of woodlands and a pond. This park is a great place to spot some smaller forest birds like chickadees, nuthatches, and creepers. There are also barred owls in the woods, so it may be worth your while to visit around dusk or dawn to catch a sight of these elusive birds.
4. Kutzky Park
Kutzky Park, located in the neighborhood of the same name, is just west of Downtown Rochester at 213 13th Ave. Northwest. This urban oasis follows Cascade Creek as it bends through a thin stand of trees, but despite its small size and its location in the middle of the city, there are a surprising amount of birds to be found here. The creek is home to wood ducks, while rarer species like ruby-throated hummingbirds and bald eagles have been seen in the park.
5. Kalmar Reservoir 7
The largest of the Kalmar landfill reservoirs, this lake is located about seven miles west of the city at 6317 19th Street Northwest. The reservoir is a park where you can find a great selection of aquatic birds, including sandpipers, coots, and gulls. The flat open country is also perfect for spotting raptors; red-tailed hawks and northern harriers can be seen here.
Finding birds can be tricky, but you can maximize your chances of seeing something rare by looking in the right spots. These birding locations near Rochester will not disappoint. Before you head out birding, come visit us at Rochester Ford to explore our new inventory.
Connect with us
