Wildlife and Birdwatching at Devil’s Lake

Devil’s Lake State Park is a very busy park, especially during the midday hours on weekends and during the summer season. Still, this shouldn’t discourage you. Many animals have grown very comfortable around people. Keep your eyes open, manage your expectations, and don’t limit yourself to specific species. You won’t be disappointed.

Here’s some great information from the Minnesota DNR

Improve your chances 

• Bring binoculars, spotting scope or telephoto lens camera.
• Go out at dawn and dusk for the best viewing.
• Be alert, move slowly and quietly. Be patient and don’t move in for a closer look. You might spook them.
• Search for tracks in the mud or snow and look for gnawed saplings.
• Look near the edges of forests and fields, pond margins and treetops.
• Do some research before you go and choose the right place to find the species you want to spot.
• Look for species during the season they are most likely to be found.

Respect our land and animals

To protect our state’s diversity of plants, animals, and geological features, we encourage you to observe and learn.

• Don’t trespass on private property. Ask first before entering.
• Leave pets at home. Pets and wildlife don’t mix.
• Leave feathers, eggs, nests or animals where you find them.
• Don’t harass, touch or feed animals.
• Be courteous to the other wildlife viewers that you meet.
• Stay safe! Do not approach raccoons, coyote, black bear, rattlesnakes or animals acting strangely. And don’t eat or touch plants if you don’t absolutely know that they are not dangerous.

Knowledge of these different species and what is appropriate behavior around them will enhance your experience and protect both you and the wildlife from harm.

There are approximately 115 species of nesting birds at Devil’s Lake State Park including our popular Great Blue Heron rookery on the south shore. Then, there are another 133 species that visit during migrations. Of course, the lake itself is a great spot to find many birds and waterfowl during migration. We recommend focusing on the Messenger Creek area on the south shore, especially in the willows. Beyond the lake itself, birders often visit the Steinke Basin area, where the wetlands draw in a large variety of birds all season long.