Garvin County Park is the heart of the Cottonwood River in Lyon County. Almost 800 acres of riparian woodland reside along the growing Cottonwood River - nestled into the remnant prairie landscape. This rich mix of topography offer deep valleys for dense, woodland-loving species like Wild Turkey, Eastern Screech-Owl, Black-belled Cuckoo, and Eastern Towhee.
Garvin Park is a must stop during spring migration for a variety of species of warblers, tanagers, orioles, and buntings. Whip-poor-wills sing when springtime is nigh and Least Flycatchers are plentiful enough to make your ears ring. An autumn fallout of raptors in can turn up Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, Broad-winged, Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, and both Red-tailed and Swainson's Hawks have nested in or near the park. Winter is a good time to search for the growing Wild Turkey population, and both Long-eared and Screech Owls find refuge in the steep banks when the wind is bitter from the northwest. Bald Eagle can be seen in early winter looking for a feast. Northern Cardinal are growing in population as well. In spring and Fall, dense underbrush makes for suitable cover for the migrating sparrows. Some rare summer nesting species include Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and American Redstart; somewhat removed from their typical Minnesota range.
Garvin Park is listed at a "hotspot" on eBird: eBird Hotspot - Garvin County Park
Twin Lakes Park in Southwest Lyon County doe not have much l;and to offer but its namesake lakes offer a variety to water-loving birds. East Twin Lake is typical of Southwestern Minnesota lakes - very trophic with a strong food source for pelicans, and herons. West Twin is disconnected from East, and has pristine water clarity; great for diving ducks and loons, and grebes during migration. A 20 acre wetland complex between the two lakes privides foraging for migrating geese and nesting for dabbling ducks, rails, and herons.
 Garvin Park Bird Checklist | 116 kB |
