Kandiyohi County has a truly unique place for birders. Sibley State Park had the first Yellow-throated Warbler nesting, recorded in the state. Red-shouldered Hawks also nest there, along with hundreds of other bird species.

Two hundred and six bird species have been recorded in Sibley State Park. Thrushes, flycatchers, vireos, woodpeckers, swallows and a wide variety of sparrows migrate through this 3,000 acre park. Sibley's green, wooded hills, grasslands and wetlands are the perfect habitat for a variety of birds. Mount Tom, at 1,375 feet, is one of the best spots in the park for watching migrating hawks.

Moving south on County Road 71 will take you to the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center. 186 bird species have been noted, including though not recently, Common Moorhens and a Northern Saw-whet Owl.

Download the birding checklist at the bottom of this page.

For birders, Sibley State Park is one of the jewels in the Minnesota state park system and the first place in the State of Minnesota where nesting Yellow-throated Warbler were recorded. Red-shouldered Hawk also nest there along with over 100 other avian species. Two hundred and six species have been recorded in the park. Thrushes, flycatchers, vireos, woodpeckers, swallows and many species of sparrow are migrants in this 3,000 acre expanse of green whose habitats include wooded hills, grasslands and wetlands. At 1,375 feet, Mount Tom is the best spot in the park for watching hawks in migratioFor birders, Sibley State Park is one of the jewels in the Minnesota state park system and the first place in the State of Minnesota where nesting Yellow-throated Warbler were recorded. Red-shouldered Hawk also nest there along with over 100 other avian species. Two hundred and six species have been recorded in the park. Thrushes, flycatchers, vireos, woodpeckers, swallows and many species of sparrow are migrants in this 3,000 acre expanse of green whose habitats include wooded hills, grasslands and wetlands. At 1,375 feet, Mount Tom is the best spot in the park for watching hawks in migration.

The Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center offers a wide variety of habitats from woods to marshes. A Northern
Saw-whet Owl recently nested here and Common Moorhens have been observed. Monson Lake State Park may be much smaller than Sibley State Park and not nearly as well known, but with its lake and extensive brushy woodlands it is still a great area for birds, especially early spring waterfowl migrants. A total of 116 species of birds were recorded in the park during a recent autumn bird inventory.

Monson Lake State Park may be much smaller than Sibley State Park and not nearly as well known, but with its lake and extensive brushy woodlands it is still a great area for birds, especially early spring waterfowl migrants. A total of 116 species of birds were recorded in the park during a recent autumn bird inventory. The southern part of Pope County has rolling hills, lakes, marshes and woodlands, providing a variety of habitats for both migrating and resident birds. Lake Johanna with its large heron rookery lies within this area. The woodlands surrounding the lake are good for migrating warblers. Ordway Prairie’s magnificent landscape includes rolling grasslands and wooded hills and valleys, providing habitats suitable for many bird species. Make sure you stop at the observation area along Highway 104. It not only provides a wonderful panoramic view of the entire area, it is a great place to observe raptors during migration.

Click here to view the Kandiyohi Lakes Region Bird Watching Map.
Click here for the birdwatching checklist.