Tourists can find excellent bird-watching locations and many other scenic opportunities in Hastings, MN, situated at the confluence of the St. Croix River and the iconic Mississippi River. Part of the Mississippi River Flyway, the fertile land, fresh water, and abundance of aquatic life make Hastings a favorite spot for birds and bird enthusiasts year-round. Here are some of the 325 bird species to watch for when you visit Hastings.

Spring & Summer

Some common bird species that call Hastings their summer home include:

• Blue-winged Teal
• Spotted Sandpiper
• Yellow Warbler
• American Robin
• Sora
• Indigo Bunting
• Belted Kingfisher
• Ruby-throated Hummingbird

You’ll have to look harder to find these more uncommon summering birds near Hastings:

• Eastern Whippoorwill
• Yellow-throated Vireo
• Eastern Towhee
• Cerulean Warbler
• Wood Thrush
• Yellow-crowned Night Heron
• Scarlet Tanager
• Blue-winged warbler

Fall & Winter

Common birds to spot during fall and winter near Hastings include:

• Golden-crowned Kinglet
• Lapland Longspur
• White-breasted Nuthatch
• Bald Eagle
• Common Goldeye
• Yellow-rumped Warbler
• Snow Bunting
• Dark-eyed Junco
• American Tree Sparrow

Less common, these birds also love the cold Minnesota climate during fall and winter:

• Northern Shrike
• Tufted Titmouse
• Common Redpoll
• Hoary Redpoll
• Evening Grosbeak
• Snow Goose
• Tundra Swan
• Golden Eagle
• Cackling Goose

Year-Round

Tourists will probably see these birds no matter what season they visit:

• Canada Goose
• Mallard Duck
• Red-tailed Hawk
• Great Blue Heron
• Great Horned Owl
• Downy Woodpecker
• Horned Lark
• American Goldfinch
• Red-bellied Woodpecker
• Ring-necked Pheasant

It’s a rare treat to spot the following species:

• Mountain Bluebird
• Merlin
• Barred Owl
• Screech Owl
• Black-crowned Night Heron
• Northern Pintail
• American Black Duck
• Gray Partridge
• Ruffed Grouse
• Virginia Rail

You may be wondering where you can find Minnesota’s state bird, the common loon, with its distinctive black-and-white patterning and bright, scarlet-colored eyes. The loon can be seen near Hastings in the fall and spring, but it spends summers cruising cooler northern Minnesota lakes.

Places Bird-Watching Tourists Must Visit

Start with the following locations to make the most of your birding excursions.

Carpenter Nature Center

Located on the St. Croix River, the Carpenter Nature Center encompasses more than 400 acres and is open to the public all year, hosting birding festivals in February, April, and September.

C.P. Adams Park

Part of an Important Birding Area (IBA), C.P. Adams park attracts many bird varieties who draw local bird-lovers and tourists alike.

Lake Isabel

Lake Isabel is a popular migration stop for Belted kingfishers, Hooded Mergansers, Cedar Waxwings, and a variety of owls.

Spring Lake Park Reserve 

Separated into two units including Shaar’s Bluff and Lower Spring Lake, this county park offers spectacular views of soaring raptors and special species like the Barred Owl, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Towhee and American Woodcock.

 

Whether you’re a tourist stopping through or you’re looking to relocate to a beautiful city with a rich history, Visit Hastings MN is your guide to Hastings, MN, and Dakota County. From fans of the arts and history to skiers and self-proclaimed ornithologists, everyone can find something to enjoy. Call (651) 437-7740 today for recommendations or visit us online for more information.