Litchfield Wetland Districtwinter wildlife
At Litchfield Wetland Management District, the timing for winter wildlife comes in 2 separate phases, each its own display, neither a peak: Mallards in fall migration, fall (July-November); and Blue-winged teal at their most abundant, fall (August-September). No official report yet this season.
- July–NovemberMallards in fall migrationfall (July-November)
- August–SeptemberBlue-winged teal at their most abundantfall (August-September)
Your guide to the area
One official viewing area
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: “Take a stroll on the boardwalk located next to the district headquarters in Litchfield, Minnesota.”
Nearby
- Sherburne Refuge50 mi3 separate phases, from September and October are the best months for fall migratory birdsSatChance Rain Showers
- Minnesota Valley Refuge66 miDecember - MarchSatMostly Sunny
- Rice Lake Refuge118 mi2 separate phases, from September and October are the best months for fall migratory birds
- Rydell Refuge194 mi2 separate phases, from September and October
- Necedah Refuge226 mi2 separate phases, from September through November; the last few cranes, ducks and swans depart by mid-NovemberSatMostly Sunny
- DeSoto Refuge255 miearly December, and again in late February and early MarchSatSunny
The year at Litchfield Wetland District
- Grassland birds (meadowlarks, godwits, sedge wrens, grasshopper sparrows, harriers) on district lands, March to NovemberNowMar–Nov
- Mallards readily visible in spring migration, March to MayMar–May
- Blue-winged teal at their most abundant in spring migration, March to MayMar–May
- Mallard hens nesting, April to July; broods on the wetlands from around mid-MayApr–Jul
- Mallards readily visible in fall migration, July to NovemberNowJul–Nov
- Blue-winged teal at their most abundant in fall migration, August to SeptemberNowAug–Sep
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Litchfield Wetland Management District?
In 2 separate phases, each at its own spot: Mallards in fall migration, fall (July-November) and Blue-winged teal at their most abundant, fall (August-September). They're separate displays, not one long season, and neither is a peak.
Is it wildlife season at Litchfield Wetland Management District right now?
There's no official report yet this season.
Is there hunting?
Yes: hunting, fishing and trapping seasons generally follow state seasons and regulations. Call the district manager at 320-693-2849 with questions.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Litchfield Wetland Management District: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is the boardwalk open in winter?
Yes, dawn to dusk all year, but it isn't cleared of snow.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Litchfield Wetland Management District: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What can I see in winter?
Muskrat huts out on the frozen wetlands; look closely and you may find mink tracks in the snow running from hut to hut.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Litchfield Wetland Management District: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What's the most common duck here?
The mallard, the most common duck on the district.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Litchfield Wetland Management District: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Litchfield Wetland Management District?
Office boardwalk: a 300-yard paved and wooden boardwalk beside the district office parking lot, three miles south of Litchfield on 615th Avenue, with two viewing stops (one with a bench) over a prairie wetland and a native prairie pollinator plot; open all year dawn to dusk, not cleared of snow in winter.
What is Litchfield Wetland Management District like through the year?
Mallards readily visible in spring migration, March to May (Mar–May), Blue-winged teal at their most abundant in spring migration, March to May (Mar–May), Mallard hens nesting, April to July; broods on the wetlands from around mid-May (Apr–Jul), Grassland birds (meadowlarks, godwits, sedge wrens, grasshopper sparrows, harriers) on district lands, March to November (Mar–Nov), Mallards readily visible in fall migration, July to November (Jul–Nov) and Blue-winged teal at their most abundant in fall migration, August to September (Aug–Sep).