Birding in SE Minnesota - Southeastern Section

Cerulean Warbler, a hard to find species, nests in the park.  Other warblers can be found here as well, especially in migration, and typically it is better along the river where there are easy walking paths.

Another worthwhile hike is the path that runs between the camping area and the river (in the opposite direction from the parking area).  Walk across the rocks that have been placed in the river (or drive through if you prefer, depending on water level) and take the path on the left.  In addition to Tufted Titmouse, this area is good for Cerulean Warbler and Indigo Bunting.  During migration, warblers and thrushes can be found just about anywhere in the park.

While you are in Houston County, you might wish to also check out a couple of other locations.  Hwy 26 south of Reno (on the Mississippi River) down to the Iowa border is a nice drive with good views of the backwaters.  Tufted Titmouse are found along the road and Prothonotary Warbler are best found by checking the boat landing areas, especially Millstone Landing.

Another location worthy of checking, especially in the summer, is the marsh just east of Mound Prairie, located between Houston and LaCrescent.  Take Hwy 16 east from Houston about 6 miles, turn north on Cty 25, and then turn right on Cty 21 after you pass through Mound Prairie (you'll know you went through when you hit Cty 21).  Common Moorhen, Least Bittern and Sandhill Cranes are often found here.

Bell's Vireos are also found in the same general area, and often just across the road from the Henslow's spot.  Check the brushy area and listen for their repetitive song.  You may also find Orchard Oriole in the area as well.

If you continue up the road you will find the Queen's Bluff trail where the birding is often good.  The birding is also good in the trees around the picnic area at the end of the road.

Another good spot is along the railroad levee to the east of the main north-south tracks.  Find the crossing over the tracks and follow the road to the end.  You can walk the levee or go up the grade for the tracks and look over to the other side where you might find Least Bittern, egrets and herons along with all sorts of waterfowl.  This is an excellent place to look for warblers in the spring in addition to nesting Prothonotary Warbler (you probably won't see them away from the water's edge).

Once your diversion on Hwy 16 is complete, backtrack to Hwy 26 and head south down to Brownsville and river access points.  At Brownsville you may want to investigate the birds along Cty 18 for a couple of miles.  South of Brownsville look and listen for Tufted Titmouse and watch along the river for waterfowl.  Be aware, that the Wisconsin birders have claimed most of the open water as their listing territory, since they somehow got the border (brown line on the map) pushed right up to the Minnesota side of the river.  Continue south and you'll find yourself in Reno (MN, not NV).

For the people interested in walking to get closer to the tiny specks out on the Mississippi River, there is a levee that extends east out along the river just to the north of Reno.  Good birds have been found here, including scoters in the fall (there always has to be someone go out there to find them just to make the rest of us take the hike).

You may want to check the roadside along Cty 249 heading west from Reno for birds, including Scarlet Tanager, warblers and vireos.

The birding along Hwy 26 south of Reno consists of locating the various boat landings and observation pullouts and taking full advantage.  The best location for finding the Prothonotary Warbler (and other warblers as well) is Millstone Landing, but it sure doesn't hurt to stop at the others along the way to check them out as well.

If you are really adventuresome, you can go all the way into Iowa before taking Cty 5 back up into Minnesota - and eventually come out at Caledonia (gateway to Beaver Creek Valley State Park).