Birding in the Brainerd Lakes

Things To Do

The Brainerd Lakes Area offers visitors a plethora of birdwatching opportunities. We caught up with Judd Brink, Owner and Guide at MN Backyard Birds, for some Q&A. He offers a few tips and tricks that will help maximize your birding experience!

Now that spring is here, what bird species that have made their back to the Brainerd Lakes?

The Brainerd Lakes Area is now seeing the peak of the spring bird migration! Many of our colorful birds have taken long flights from Central and South America—a difficult and challenging journey just to arrive here! Many of our lakes are home to our state bird the common loon, a sure sign of summer. The spring bird migration happens in stages starting in March through early June with May being the peak month. Just a few species that just arrived include orioles, hummingbirds, tanagers, warblers, hawks, eagles, and many of the waterbirds.

Where are the best places locally to see a variety of birds?

A few of the hotspots for wildlife viewing in the lakes area includes the Crow Wing State Park, Northland Arboretum (Important Bird Area), Rotary Park/Kiwanis Park, Crosslake Recreation Area, and the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway.

What’s your favorite part of birding?

Birdwatching is the 2nd largest activity in the country! I have been birding for over 30 years, and I still love the challenge and the excitement in finding rare and or a new bird for my life list! Birding is just full of surprises you never know what you might see or photograph! I also have been guiding for over 15 years, and so it’s fun to share and teach others about birds.

How to get kids involved with birding?

I started in my own backyard when my parents had a few bird feeders. I think it’s important to get kids outside and let them explore and enjoy what nature teaches us. The Northland Arboretum offers summer nature camps for kids.

What are things you can do to increase your chances of seeing birds in your own yard?

MN Backyard Birds offers birdscaping to help attract and enjoy more colorful songbirds to your property! We design “songbird sanctuaries” to increase the number and variety of colorful songbirds using only the best bird feeders and fresh seed. Planting native fruiting trees and shrubs, adding a water bath are just a few ways you can enjoy more birds at home.

Explore Brainerd Lakes

Our mission is to celebrate the Brainerd Lakes Area and the experiences that are made here. We are your premier resource of tourism information in central Minnesota.

Get Social

Explore More

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

A light blue raffle ticket with bold black text reading "MEAT RAFFLE" centered on it. The ticket has perforated edges and a simple, vintage-style design.

Steaks Are High: Brainerd Lakes Guide to Meat Raffles

Meat raffles have become a popular tradition in the Brainerd Lakes Area, blending small-town charm, local food, and community spirit. Whether at a lakeside tavern or an American Legion hall, you can join in the fun while supporting local businesses. Many raffles feature meats sourced from area butcher shops, making it a win-win for everyone. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might earn the playful title of “Meat Hog” for winning more than once in one night!

A man and woman riding bikes through a wooded section of the Paul Bunyan Trail, enjoying a sunny day surrounded by lush greenery in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Join our newsletter

Proud partner of the Brainerd Lakes, Crosslake, and Pequot Lakes Chambers of Commerce.