Migration in Full Swing in Minneapolis

Deja Vu in Minneapolis

Once again Minneapolis is the hotspot for early Spring waterfowl viewing and photography. Each year since I began my nature photography quest I’ve witnessed numerous species of waterfowl in the lakes of Minneapolis and St Paul. It may sound crazy but these lakes harbor many different waterfowl each April including; Northern Shovelers, Redhead, Canvasbacks, Blue Wing Teal, Bufflehead, Goldeneye, Common Loon, Red-Necked  Grebes, Horned Grebes the occasional Eared Grebe, Pintail Ducks and the stars of the show Red-Breasted Megansers.

Why are Red-Breasted mergansers the star of the show? Well most years there are 100’s of them in the Minneapolis City Lakes and Lake Phalen in St Paul is also known to harbor them in April. Red-breasted Mergansers are here to court, feed and rest before heading North to their breeding grounds mostly in Canada. Drakes are constently performing an elaborate display of calling, bobbing and weaving for the hens hoping to provide what’s needed for a successful nesting season. This  activity often happens close to shore giving the birder a great view at these seldom observed birds right here in Minneapolis St Paul.

If you’re interested in seeing red-breasted mergansers, buffleheads, goldeneye, horned grebes and red-necked grebes now is the time to head to the Minneapolis City Lakes. You may even encounter numerous othe waterfowl species.

The images below were shot in April of 2025.

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A FEW TIPS AND OBSERVATIONS.

Whether you are a birder, nature aficionado or nature photographer springtime in the Twin Cities Metro Area brings a captivating season, unveiling a breathtaking array of unique waterfowl waiting to be discovered. Embrace the beauty of the Twin Cities Metro Area and immerse yourself in the wonder of spring, as you uncover the hidden treasures of our migrating waterfowl.

I love to find new areas to find waterfowl searching out remote parts of the metro in search of these birds and better yet find them in areas that offer good photography opportunities. That said I have honey holes that I go back to each spring too. One thing I know in years and years of waterfowl photography is these birds will frequent different and odd areas of water year to year.

In addition to the obvious areas…lakes, down by the river (ha ha), nature areas and parks I have found many northern species in small neighborhood ponds (I have found shovelers, mergansers, teal, wood ducks, scaup and wigeons in small ponds) and drainage areas in spring. So don’t over look these. Map them out in your mind or look at a maps app to find areas where there is more abundant open water.

In reference to photography when I find these birds I typically look for how close to shore they are. I like active birds they are less distracted by my presence. Additionally I try to see the place in that area that offers access in relation to the where the sun is or will be and what the background will look like.

Be sneaky when approaching the birds. In most instances I have mostly waterproof camo on or waders or both and I’m prepared to be prone on the ground with my gear.

Butt Cushion aka Camera Stand

There are many types of camera stands but I tend to use either a tripod with a Wimberly or one of those cushy butt cushions. Butt cushions can be found in most outdoor related stores like Fleet Farm. I position the camera on the cushion….not my butt! It’s easy to maneuver and it keeps the camera low so I get the best possible image results. Plus it’s lightweight and mostly waterproof. I use the butt cushion more than the tripod because I can be more stealth and it’s super lightweight. If I’m in the water of course I use the tripod.

What kinds of waterfowl migrate thru the Twin Cities in Spring?

Species include: red breasted mergansers, hooded mergansers, loons, pie billed, red-necked, western and eared grebes.  Ducks include northern shoveler, American wigeon, redhead ducks, scaup, canvasback, bufflehead, goldeneye, long tail and even scoter. Of course I find wood ducks, teal and mallards too. You can also find an array of wading birds including, herons, egrets, yellowlegs, sandpipers, killdeer and the occasional plover.

If you love birds now is the time to get out there. Don’t forget your butt cushion! Want more? Feel free to contact me.