Birding around Osceola
Water Migratory Highway
with Diverse Ecosystems
The Osceola Area is an attractive destination for birding because of its location along the St. Croix River (a major migratory highway) which provides great viewing of waterfowl and birds of prey.
Along the Osceola portion of the St. Croix River, we have about 45 pairs of Bald Eagles and one of the largest heron rookeries which holds 300 nests. Additionally, the larger Osceola Area is home to more than 150 trumpeter swans whose population has made a comeback after being reintroduced to the area.
The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway helps protect the river and bordering land which facilitates bird migration.
At a quick glance you can find ducks and hawks migrating in the spring (April & May) and in the fall (September - November). Standing Cedars Land Conservancy located just a few minutes south of Osceola includes 1500 acres open to the public, with trails into forests, fields, and bluff lands along the Lower St. Croix River. In these beautiful natural areas you can experience three ecosystems converging: Northern Boreal Forest, Eastern Hardwood, and Tall Grass Prairie creating a wide diversity of bird species from these unique habitats.
with Diverse Ecosystems
The Osceola Area is an attractive destination for birding because of its location along the St. Croix River (a major migratory highway) which provides great viewing of waterfowl and birds of prey.
Along the Osceola portion of the St. Croix River, we have about 45 pairs of Bald Eagles and one of the largest heron rookeries which holds 300 nests. Additionally, the larger Osceola Area is home to more than 150 trumpeter swans whose population has made a comeback after being reintroduced to the area.
The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway helps protect the river and bordering land which facilitates bird migration.
At a quick glance you can find ducks and hawks migrating in the spring (April & May) and in the fall (September - November). Standing Cedars Land Conservancy located just a few minutes south of Osceola includes 1500 acres open to the public, with trails into forests, fields, and bluff lands along the Lower St. Croix River. In these beautiful natural areas you can experience three ecosystems converging: Northern Boreal Forest, Eastern Hardwood, and Tall Grass Prairie creating a wide diversity of bird species from these unique habitats.
Osceola became a WI Bird City in 2017, a special recognition of communities that have taken the initiative to do more to be a healthy place for both birds and people.
Looking for places to enjoy the beautiful birds and scenery?
Try looking here:
1. Falls Bluff Loop Trail - you'll find migrant land birds in the spring and raptor migration in the fall as you look over the river valley. In September, the Broad-winged and Red-trailed Hawks drift by in the mornings and early afternoons. A greater amount of Bald Eagles will become more visible in October and especially November as they migrate down the valley as northern areas become iced over. Trailhead located behind Cascade BP in town.
2. Brookside Trail, located just on the north side of town behind the Art Barn, you'll find a variety of migrant warblers, resident birds such as sparrows, thrushes, wrens, flycatchers, and warblers. Just below, you can download a list of birds that can be seen here.
3. 93rd Avenue, just off of County Road S. Looking for Trumpeter Swans, Wood Ducks, and Canada Geese? The road just past the Osceola Fish Hatchery is known for these birds plus others moving through in the spring and fall.
4. Standing Cedars, off of 280th Street south of Osceola, in particular the Engelwood property, holds various habitats and therefore has a high diversity of bird species. Engelwood is the best location on Standing Cedar's property to easily see a wide variety of birds all in one location. Additionally, the Brown Unit holds more wetland birds and a pair of Trumpeter Swans.
Looking for places to enjoy the beautiful birds and scenery?
Try looking here:
1. Falls Bluff Loop Trail - you'll find migrant land birds in the spring and raptor migration in the fall as you look over the river valley. In September, the Broad-winged and Red-trailed Hawks drift by in the mornings and early afternoons. A greater amount of Bald Eagles will become more visible in October and especially November as they migrate down the valley as northern areas become iced over. Trailhead located behind Cascade BP in town.
2. Brookside Trail, located just on the north side of town behind the Art Barn, you'll find a variety of migrant warblers, resident birds such as sparrows, thrushes, wrens, flycatchers, and warblers. Just below, you can download a list of birds that can be seen here.
3. 93rd Avenue, just off of County Road S. Looking for Trumpeter Swans, Wood Ducks, and Canada Geese? The road just past the Osceola Fish Hatchery is known for these birds plus others moving through in the spring and fall.
4. Standing Cedars, off of 280th Street south of Osceola, in particular the Engelwood property, holds various habitats and therefore has a high diversity of bird species. Engelwood is the best location on Standing Cedar's property to easily see a wide variety of birds all in one location. Additionally, the Brown Unit holds more wetland birds and a pair of Trumpeter Swans.
Get started with these simple steps!
1. Either borrow or buy a pair of binoculars for help spotting birds
2. Take a walk around Osceola's trails up along the bluffs for a great view of song birds, Bald Eagles, and other waterfowl
3. Bring a friend and a bird identification book
1. Either borrow or buy a pair of binoculars for help spotting birds
2. Take a walk around Osceola's trails up along the bluffs for a great view of song birds, Bald Eagles, and other waterfowl
3. Bring a friend and a bird identification book
Who can bird watch and why should you give it a try?
Anyone! Often times when you think of birding, it may seem like it is only for ornithologists who are already skilled at identifying birds visually and audibly. But... bird watching is actually for everyone; if you love the outdoors or just need a break from work and a chance to take a breather, bird watching can provide opportunities for you to exercise, spend time with your loves ones, feel connected to the natural environment, and when done in a group of people, connect to your community.
Anyone! Often times when you think of birding, it may seem like it is only for ornithologists who are already skilled at identifying birds visually and audibly. But... bird watching is actually for everyone; if you love the outdoors or just need a break from work and a chance to take a breather, bird watching can provide opportunities for you to exercise, spend time with your loves ones, feel connected to the natural environment, and when done in a group of people, connect to your community.
Want to watch right from your back yard, too? Here's how to make your property bird friendly: