• Western Minnesota is a focal point for waterfowl on the move north during spring. I've found the counties south and west of Morris (to the South Dakota border) and up to Fergus Falls and Detroit Lakes to be great spots for viewing.
• The area features many state Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and federal Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs). Both offer advantages without the hassle of knocking on doors to ask permission to access land. Check out a map. Be sure to zoom in to locate areas. The maps in Minnesota Atlas & Gazetteer also are useful.
• Plan to spend at least one early morning or late afternoon afield because that is when the birds are most visible. They trade back and forth between feeding and resting areas.
• Late March is generally the best time to witness the waterfowl migration in western Minnesota. However, unseasonable weather can either hasten or delay the passing of birds.
