Garvin County Park

Garvin County Park is the heart of the Cottonwood River in Lyon County. Almost 1000 acres of riparian woodland nestled into the remnant prairie landscape offer deep valleys for species like Spotted Towhee. The only Lyon County Park, Garvin Park’s habitat is similar to that of Camden State Park; a rich riparian area along the growing Cottonwood River.

DIRECTIONS: 2 miles North of the intersection of US Highways 14, and 59

Unlike Camden, Garvin Park has no appreciable upland prairie area (though a good wildlife management area exists south of the park) no lake, and fewer trails. However, also unlike Camden, Garvin Park has playground equipment for the children of birding parents, has fewer people scurrying along the trails, and has a small but enjoyable lookout tower (Merton’s Lookout).

Garvin has warblers, tanagers, orioles, and buntings. Whip-poor-wills sing when springtime is nigh (and occasionally in the wee hours of the morning) and Least Flycatchers make your ears ring. (even into the summer?) Though fewer rarities are reported here than at Camden (due to less coverage) Spotted Towhee has been seen here more often than at Camden. A fallout of raptors in the fall 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 that is becoming wild thanks to a hunting season (they don’t just walk up to you anymore) and both Long-eared and Screech Owls find refuge in the steep banks when the wind is bitter from the northwest. Garvin is one of the few consistent parks to see or hear the uncommon Northern Cardinal in this area, while the dense underbrush makes for suitable cover for the late fall sparrows. A pair of Spotted Towhee was observed July 4, 2005, though no nest site was able to be located.

 

Twin Lakes County Park

East and West Twin Lakes will be the new home of Lyon County’s second County Park thanks to the initiative of local resident, Carmen Christiansen. The camping area is in development as of 2013, yet, the lakes in this area seems to be along the flight path of a migration route for waterfowl.

DIRECTIONS: From the City of Florence on MN Hwy 23, travel southwest less than a mile and turn South on Lyon County Road 51 for about three miles.

The group of Southwestern Lyon County Lakes often seems to hold something interesting; such as the Clark’s Grebe on Section Lake in the summer of 2000. Greater White-fronted, and Ross’ Geese have been seen several years in spring migration, and a possible scoter was observed on West Twin Lake in 1996. These are some of the uncommon species you might find among the common species with a little bit of fortune. Eventually, you will want to take Lyon County road 52 north past the East side of West Twin Lake.

Cottonwood Lakes Area

There’s something almost magical about the Cottonwood Lakes area. Whether its the accumulated Karma from local birders, or the effect of a rich diversity in close proximity, these lakes turn up rare birds.

DIRECTIONS: Cottonwood Lake is at the City of Cottonwood on the West side of MN Hwy 23. To the south of Cottonwood on Hwy 23 lies Runholt Slough (also on the west side. Sham Lake (and other nearby lakes) is located on the East side of highway 23 across from the City of Cottonwood.

Sham Lake draws unusual birds. Red-throated Loon, Least Tern, Clark’s Grebe, Surf Scoter. It is The Lake to stop at in Lyon County when the water is open. Nearby Runholt Slough, and Cottonwood Lake complete the diversity for water-loving birds in this part of the County, and have both held American Avocet during migration when water levels are appropriate. Cottonwood Lake is one of the better to look for Common Loon, and both Cottonwood and Sham have had Horned, Eared, and Western Grebes. A Sabine’s Gull was observed at Cottonwood Lake in 2007, and who knows what else will fly over this season!

Scanning from the roads are easy with wide shoulders and several vanatage points, with the exception of Runholt Slough. Be careful whee you park there on Lyon County Road 24.