If you fly over the Minnesota River Valley from Jordan south through Belle Plaine and St. Peter to just north of Mankato, you would be struck by the wide variety of landscapes in this broad, expansive river valley. The valley is surrounded by some of the most intensely farmed country in Minnesota. The green corridor produced by this river valley and its value to bird and wildlife is obvious. The Minnesota River winds its serpentine way through the valley amidst steep bluffs, heavily wooded hillsides, and deep valleys carved by its tributaries. These tributary valleys enter the Minnesota River Valley on both sides of the river and provide “fingers” of green that extend from the upland farm fields into the valley. Rush River, Fry Creek, Seven Mile Creek, High Island Creek and many other smaller streams are examples of such waterways. These “fingers” of green provide resting and nesting places for migrating and resident songbirds. Interspersed among the fields are grassy bluffs with a few intact tracts of native prairie, such as Ottawa and Kasota Prairies. Away from the river, there are numerous lakes surrounded by marshes and grassy wetlands that furnish suitable breeding and resting areas for marsh and water birds. Lakes, such as Washington, Oakleaf, Middle and Swan, provide havens for a wide range of bird species.

Kasota Region South Loop
The Kasota Prairie and adjoining Kasota Prairie Scientific and Natural Area are expanses of native grasslands being restored by the Unimin Corporation. Fifty-two avian species were recorded at this site during a recent two-day census in June. From spring to fall, both sites are excellent for grassland birds. Grasshopper, Chipping, Clay-colored and Field Sparrow are common, as well as occasional sightings of Henslow’s Sparrow. Dickcissel, Eastern and Western Meadowlark, Eastern Bluebird, and Upland Sandpiper are seen throughout the prairie. Five species of swallow are regularly seen feeding over the grass, while Orchard Oriole can be found in the scrubby woodlands surrounding the grasslands. Swan Lake, which includes Swan Lake Wildlife Management Area and Nicollet Conservation Club, is one of the best large, shallow, marshy lakes for birds in the state. Western, Red-necked, Pied-billed and Eared Grebe are present both as migrants and nesting species. Be sure to look for a Clark’s Grebe among the Western Grebe. Waterfowl, especially puddle ducks, are common migrants, but some remain to nest in the cattail marshes surrounding the lake. Both Ruddy Duck and Redhead nest at Swan Lake. Marsh Wren, Least Bittern, rails, coots and hundreds of Yellow-headed Blackbird can also be seen in the cattails. A pair of Great-tailed Grackles, thought to be breeding, were recently seen in the cattails on the lake’s south side. Seven Mile Creek County Park, a birding gem, often produces exciting sightings to add to bird lists. Just off a busy highway, the park offers a pristine forest filled with migrant songbirds and breeding species during June and July. Wild Turkey are common; Pileated and Red-bellied Woodpecker, Wood Thrush, Veery, Scarlet Tanager, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Acadian Flycatcher and Winter Wren are found in good numbers. Kentucky Warbler, a rare bird in Minnesota, has occasionally been sighted in this park.