Price $5.00
by
Kevin J. Zimmer
1979
Distributed by
L & P Press
Box 21604
Denver, CO 80221
This book is dedicated to my parents, Bernard and Mary Zimmer, who presented me with all the opportunities that made this book possible.
The area covered by this guide is so large that I could not possibly have written it up without the help of many people.
I particularly wish to thank Bob Randall and Frank Kelley, who provided much of the information used for the Bismarck-Mandan and Grand Forks areas, respectively; my brother and almost constant field companion Barry Zimmer, who helped with many suggestions; Kelly Stonecypher, who provided inspiration and the best kind of moral support; and most importantly, Jim Lane, whose advice, help, and encouragement made this book possible.
Many others helped in some way, either with advice and information, or as field companions. I want to thank the following, and after this has gone to press I will probably think of others: Milan Alby, Steve Allen, Beth Anderson, David L. Bartling, William Buresh, Gary A. Eslinger, Palmer Forness, Ralph Fries, Ann and Bob Gammell, David Goeke, Harold Holt, Harold Kantrud, Art Lies, Donald E. Lindberg, Jon M. Malcolm, Rebecca Quanrud, Robert Rollings, Alan K. Trout, Robert Walkin, Dr. Nathaniel Whitney, Hugh Willoughby, Jim Zimmer, and Bernard and Mary Zimmer.
I would appreciate any suggestions or information for future editions of this book. All such correspondence should be addressed to: Kevin J. Zimmer, L & P Press, Box 21604, Denver, Colorado 80221.
NORTH DAKOTA (Quarters are shown bounded by County Lines, Highways, or Rivers)
North Dakota is a fairly large state (17th among the states in total land area) but a sparsely populated one (45th). Most of the people live in rural areas, because there are few cities of any size; even these are, for the most part, widely scattered. The largest urban area (the tri-city area of Fargo, West Fargo, and Moorhead, Minnesota) has a combined population of under 120,000.
Most people visit North Dakota on their way to someplace else. They rush through because of the lack of big cities and scenic areas. Although it is true that much of the state is anything but scenic, there is great beauty awaiting those who explore the prairie, the rolling, wooded hills of the Turtle Mountains, or the rugged badlands along the Little Missouri River.
Over the years some of the greatest names in ornithology have visited North Dakota on birding expeditions. At the head of the list is John James Audubon, who made one of his last painting-and-collecting expeditions here in 1843. The most celebrated birder ever to visit the state, though, has to be our twenty-sixth president, Theodore Roosevelt.
Roosevelt established a large cattle-ranching enterprise in the Little Missouri badlands in 1883. In doing so he established two ranches: the Maltese Cross Ranch (about seven miles south of Medora) and the Elkhorn Ranch (about thirty-five miles north of Medora). Although not an ornithologist in the strictest sense of the word, Roosevelt kept written records of his bird sightings in the badlands. These records represent some of his most colorful and interesting writings.
Much of the topography of North Dakota can be traced to the effects of Wisconsin-age glaciation, particularly in the north and east. Large portions of these glaciated areas are peppered by countless ponds and lakes. A frightening number have been drained; nevertheless, these wetlands constitute one of the most important waterfowl production areas in the country.
Although North Dakota cannot boast of large mountain ranges like the states farther west, it is anything but a flat, monotonous state. Much of the state is characterized by gently rolling prairie. More noticeable hills and escarpments may be found in the Turtle Mountains, Pembina Hills, on the south side of Devils Lake, and along stretches of several rivers (notably the Missouri). Further, beach lines and sandhills left over from the last ice age provide a somewhat local variation to the level topography of some areas. The most rugged terrain occurs in the Little Missouri badlands, which are characterized by numerous steep slopes, severely eroded buttes, and arroyos.
A large percentage of the state is occupied by agricultural land. This category includes not only actively farmed land, but also retired croplands, 8 domestic hayfields, fence rows, wood lots (referred to as tree claims), shelterbelts, orchards, and farmyards. While many of these areas are almost devoid of wildlife, others provide suitable habitat for a number of species.
Mixed-grass prairie is the predominant natural habitat, and it supports the largest numbers of many of the prairie specialties which nest in the state. Both tall-grass prairie and short-grass prairie also exist locally.
A prairie habitat which is quite limited in the state is the sage-prairie found in the southwest corner (primarily in the western portions of Bowman and Slope Counties). Xeric in character, it is composed mostly of buffalo and blue grama grasses peppered with sage flats and clumps of prickly pear cactus.
Many prairie areas are punctuated by woody thickets, which host a number of species that are characteristic of woodland-edge habitats. These thickets are composed mostly of large shrubs (wolfberry and silverberry are commonly found) in combination with a few small trees.
Wetlands occupy a major position on the list of habitats. Several types, ranging from seasonal ponds and prairie marshes to permanent wood-bordered lakes, are found here. Prairie wetlands are scattered throughout the state, but are concentrated most densely in a broad belt through the central and east-central portions. Permanent wood-bordered ponds and lakes are mostly restricted to the Turtle Mountains.
Often associated with prairie wetlands are extensive wet meadows. These are of primary interest to the birder because they support large numbers of desired species such as Yellow Rail, Willow Flycatcher, Sedge Wren, and Le Conte’s and Sharp-tailed Sparrows.
There are also several large alkaline lakes. Because of the high salinity of the water and the adjacent salt flats, no emergent plants are found, so they are not characterized by large numbers of breeding birds. They do serve as excellent attractions to migrant shorebirds.
Very little of North Dakota is occupied by forest habitat, although it is locally well-represented. Much of it is found in the form of floodplain forests along the Red, James, Sheyenne, Souris, Missouri, and Little Missouri Rivers and their tributaries. In the west the floodplain forests are dominated, for the most part, by cottonwoods (as is true along large portions of the Missouri and Little Missouri Rivers) and have a more open canopy and understory than those of the eastern streams.
In the east bottomland forests are represented by a more diverse plant community. Among the more common trees are American elm, bur oak, green ash, basswood, and box elder.
Tracts of upland deciduous forest can be found locally throughout the state. In the southern and western portions, these are largely restricted to buttes and bluffs overlooking various rivers. Bur oak, green ash, and quaking 9 aspen are usually the most representative trees. (A good example can be found at Little Missouri State Park in Dunn County.)
Upland deciduous forests also occur in the northeast. The best examples are in the Pembina Hills of Pembina and Cavalier Counties. Smaller tracts can be found on hills and bluffs overlooking many of the larger lakes such as those around the shores of Devils Lake and Stump Lake. Predominant trees include bur oak, American elm, quaking aspen, green ash, box elder, and birch. The well-forested Turtle Mountains are dominated for the most part by quaking aspen.
Small groves of evergreen forests dot the slopes and draws of the Little Missouri badlands. These are represented by various species of junipers and by ponderosa pine.
In addition to the natural habitats there are several artificial ones. Agricultural areas, the largest group, have already been mentioned. Others are urban areas—landscaped yards, gardens, golf courses, city parks, cemeteries, and the almost-sterile downtown streets. Stock ponds, reservoirs, and drainage ditches also constitute artificial environments. An interesting man-made habitat (at least from the birder’s view) is the municipal sewage ponds. These often attract an incredible array of waterfowl and shorebirds and make excellent birding spots for anyone who can put up with the smell.
A few years ago the American Birding Association surveyed its members to determine the 50 “most-wanted” species in North America. Of these, 9 are to be expected in North Dakota. In decreasing order of priority they are: Yellow Rail, Snowy Owl, Connecticut Warbler, Bohemian Waxwing, Baird’s Sparrow, Northern Goshawk, Sprague’s Pipit, Hoary Redpoll, and Smith’s Longspur. An additional 6 are on the current state list but are very rare and seldom seen: Boreal Owl, Great Gray Owl, Gyrfalcon, Hawk Owl, Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker, and Eurasian Wigeon.
For the most part, North Dakota has an eastern avifauna which blends almost imperceptibly into a more western one in the extreme western part of the state. The blend zone is most apparent in the vicinity of Bismarck in the south-central part of the state. Here the ranges of Indigo and Lazuli Buntings and Rose-breasted and Black-headed Grosbeaks overlap, and the birder may see some interesting hybrids.
With few exceptions, the birds of the eastern half (especially along the Red, James, and Sheyenne Rivers) are the same species found in similar habitats throughout eastern North America. East begins to give way to West biologically in the central part. Here, the birder begins to notice the western species such as Ferruginous and Swainson’s Hawks, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Lark Bunting, and Chestnut-collared Longspur.
By the time one reaches the badlands on the western edge, it is the eastern birds which are unusual. Here, there is an abundance of western species, including Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, Sage Grouse, Burrowing Owl, the red-shafted race of the Common Flicker, Say’s Phoebe, Black-billed Magpie, Rock Wren, Mountain Bluebird, Lazuli Bunting, Black-headed Grosbeak, the spotted race of the Rufous-sided Towhee, Brewer’s Sparrow, and McCown’s Longspur.
Although the breeding birds may vary considerably from one part of the state to the next, winter species are fairly uniform throughout. Comparatively few birds stick out the North Dakota winters. Extremely cold temperatures, little cover, and little open water combine to make this a somewhat poor state for winter birding. The following species can usually be found: Rough-legged Hawk; Golden Eagle; Sharp-tailed Grouse; Ringnecked Pheasant; Gray Partridge; Great Horned, Snowy, and Short-eared Owls; Mourning Dove; Common Flicker; Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers; Horned Lark; Black-billed Magpie; American Crow; Blue Jay; Black-capped Chickadee; White-breasted and Red-breasted Nuthatches; American Robin; Bohemian and Cedar Waxwings; Northern Shrike; European Starling; House Sparrow; Western Meadowlark; Red-winged and Rusty Blackbirds; Evening and Pine Grosbeaks; Purple Finch; Hoary and Common Redpolls; Pine Siskin; American Goldfinch; Red Crossbill; Northern Junco (slate-colored race); Lapland Longspur; and Snow Bunting.
The seasons are defined by the following dates: Spring—April 1 to May 31, Summer—June 1 to August 15, Fall—August 16 to November 20, and Winter—November 21 to March 31.
Most birders will be interested in breeding populations of marsh and prairie species. For these it would be best to come in June, preferably during the first three weeks.
For migration, the timing depends on specifics. Warblers generally peak about the third week of May and again in mid-September. For waterfowl April and October are probably best. Shorebirds are usually good anytime from late April to late October, but the first two weeks of May and the months of August and September are the most consistent. Shorebirding can be the most productive kind of birding in July and August.
Few people come to North Dakota in winter for the purpose of birding, but perhaps more should. Although not abundant, many of the regular winter birds make good additions to the list. Several northern species that are uncommon over the rest of the United States are often relatively easy to find here. This is also the time when the birder can add the most to our knowledge of North Dakota’s birds. There are relatively few good birders in the state, and many do not get out in winter as often as they should. Who knows? You may turn up something extra good, such as a Gyrfalcon or a Boreal Owl. For the northern owls come after January, when the birds 11 have been pushed south by the colder weather.
North Dakota is a state of extremes when it comes to weather. To say that the winters are cold would be a gross understatement. Wind-chill factors commonly reach 50° below zero. (It is not wise to wander far from your car in such weather. Remember, also, never to sit for any period of time in your parked car with the heater on and the engine idling. Carbon monoxide poisoning takes many lives each year in the upper Midwest.) The winters are long in this part of the country, and just when you think one is over, along comes another March or April blizzard. As a rule the weather in spring and fall is pleasant, but be prepared for cold temperatures at all times. Summer is an altogether different story. Summer temperatures are often in the 80’s and 90’s, and it doesn’t cool off very much at night. Summer days and nights are often rather humid. Combined with the high temperatures, the high humidity can make you feel very uncomfortable.
At times the wind never seems to quit blowing (especially in the winter), and summer storms can come up fast. Remember, North Dakota is one of the states occupying the tornado belt. If violent weather hits, head for shelter immediately. Do not let all of this scare you off; most Dakotans have been easily surviving such weather for years.
Dress is informal in this rural state. Levis are the rule rather than the exception. When birding in spring and fall, carry a warm jacket because the temperature can drop in a hurry. As for winter dress, there is not much to say other than “get the warmest clothes and foot-gear possible.” It is next to impossible to overdress for Dakota winters. Other things that could come in handy in winter are: 1) a shovel (especially if you intend to drive the back roads), 2) studded tires, 3) booster cables, and 4) a lighter-weight motor oil for better cold-weather starts. Make sure to winterize your radiator to at least -30°, and keep more anti-freeze on hand; you may need it.
As a final suggestion, if you own a spotting scope by all means bring it. There are certainly few activities more frustrating than trying to identify shorebirds on a distant mud-flat with nothing more than binoculars. A scope can also come in handy for viewing some of the more elusive prairie sparrows.
There are plenty of biting insects around, and the mosquitoes can be downright obnoxious at times (especially if you are sleeping outside). Carry some kind of insect repellent (except in winter). Liquid repellents seem to last longer than sprays.
Watch for ticks in brushy areas. No matter how hard you try you will probably get some anyway. Never pull one off. The proboscis usually 12 breaks, whereupon infection may occur. They are best removed by applying rubbing alcohol (Some of the more obnoxious ticks seem to get “bombed” and then hang on for dear life.) or a hot instrument such as a recently burnt match.
Rattlesnakes do occur in the western part (particularly in the badlands), although you would be doing well to see one.
The larger towns have many motels, especially along the interstates. There should be no problem in Bismarck-Mandan, Dickinson, Devils Lake, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Minot, Valley City, and Williston. These towns are distributed rather evenly over the state. Most of the smaller towns have at least one motel, but try to arrive early. Motels fill quickly in summer.
Campers will find plenty of spots. In addition to the commercial campgrounds, most of the state parks offer camp sites, and some are free. Both units of the Roosevelt Memorial have good campgrounds.
Following is a list of the state parks:
The main purpose of this guide is to direct the out-of-state birder to the better spots, although it is hoped that the book will be of use to resident birders as well. An effort is made to list several good areas in different parts of the state, if possible, for each of the more sought-after species. The best spots are shown in bold-faced type. If you are in a hurry, stop only at these places.
Because of the large area, the state is split into four regions—Southeast, Southwest, Northwest, and Northeast. The regions are of approximately equal size and are divided, for the most part, along county lines without regard for habitat. A minimal time of 2 weeks is suggested to cover the entire state. Even then you will leave knowing that you have missed a lot.
In North Dakota the best shorebird spot is often not one mentioned, but rather a flooded field, which will be great one week and dry the next. In addition many species change their locations from year to year because of inconsistent water levels. It would be wise to check with refuge managers and local birders for up-to-the-minute information on desired species. The names and addresses of local birders can be obtained by checking the Christmas Bird Count for the local compiler or by consulting the American Birding Association Directory ($5.00—ABA Sales, Box 4335, Austin, TX 78765).
In 1973 the American Ornithologists Union (A.O.U.) published a supplement to its Checklist of North American Birds. This changed the current names and taxonomic status of many species. A number of birders have been in an uproar ever since, because many former species are dropped to sub-specific rank. The A.O.U. has further revised the checklist, with the promise of even more changes in the future. In addition, the 14 American Birding Association published its own A.B.A. Checklist (Birds of Continental United States and Canada) in 1975. This follows the taxonomic order used by the A.O.U. but incorporates some entirely different names. Because the A.B.A. is the official “listing” organization, its nomenclature is followed in this book. However, some of the field guides currently in use do not yet reflect these name changes. The old names affecting North Dakota birds are included parenthetically below to avoid confusion for the beginner.
Ruddy Ducks
The southeast sector is probably the least glamorous as far as birders are concerned. It cannot offer the western specialties of the southwest nor the northern species of the northeast, and it does not have the reputation of the northwest for prairie species. Despite these deficits, the southeast quarter offers some of the best birding in the state.
Contained within its boundaries is some of the finest prairie-pothole habitat in the country. This is the breeding ground for thousands of ducks and other marsh species. Adjacent to the countless seasonal and permanent ponds are broad expanses of mixed-grass prairie, which support large numbers of Upland Sandpipers, Sprague’s Pipits, Baird’s Sparrows, Chestnut-collared Longspurs, and other prairie specialities of great interest to the birder.
This quarter also offers excellent bottomland habitat along portions of the Red, James, and Sheyenne Rivers. These floodplain forests support an avifauna typical of eastern deciduous forests, thus making it attractive to western birders. Large numbers of eastern warblers pass through during migration, and on good days one may find as many as twenty species (possibly more).
Marshlands in the southeast corner attract southern species, such as the Little Blue Heron and King Rail. All in all, the southeast sector offers a very diverse avifauna, and it should not be ignored by the visiting birder.
FARGO
The city of Fargo (population 53,000—largest in North Dakota) lies in the highly agricultural Red River Valley and is separated from Minnesota only by the river. Birds found here are basically eastern in nature.
The Red River and its adjacent woodlands act as a funnel for migrating passerines and provide food and cover in winter for the few species which decide to stick out the long period of cold weather. Because of this, wooded areas along the river are the most productive spots.
Probably the best place along the river is Lindenwood Park, which can be reached in several ways. Coming from the east, take Interstate 94 west from Moorhead, Minnesota. Turn right on the first exit after crossing into North Dakota. This leads onto South University Drive. Stay in the far right lane and turn right at the first signal light onto 18th Avenue South. Go one block to the park entrance.
Beyond the entrance, the road forks. The right leads through the park. The left (South Lindenwood Drive) follows the river for 0.8 mile and is usually better for birding, because it is less crowded and has a greater edge effect. South Lindenwood Drive is bordered in part on the left by a large grassy triangle and on the right by a good variety of trees and shrubs along the river.
Close to 175 species have been recorded here in the past ten years. Most of the birds are characteristic of the eastern deciduous forest. Exceptions include the Western Kingbird, Bobolink, Clay-colored Sparrow, and Savannah Sparrow. All of these can often be seen from May to July in the grassy triangle. In July the vegetation is cut, and the birds leave.
In migration the park is a mecca for flycatchers, thrushes, vireos, warblers, and sparrows. All of the eastern Empidonax flycatchers (except the Acadian) can be found regularly, as can the Olive-sided Flycatcher and Eastern Phoebe. All of the spot-breasted thrushes except the Wood Thrush may be seen in good numbers every spring, and even it manages to put in an appearance each year. Five species of vireos can be seen in spring, the best of which is the Philadelphia Vireo. Also occurring with regularity are twenty species of warblers, including Orange-crowned, Cape May, Bay-breasted, and Connecticut.
Of all the fringillids using the park in migration, the most sought-after is the Harris’ Sparrow. Fargo lies in its relatively narrow migratory range. It may be seen (both spring and fall) in good numbers at all parks in the area.
The following breeding species are shared with most other parks and wooded habitats in the area: Wood Duck; Black-billed Cuckoo; Mourning Dove; Great Horned Owl; Common Flicker; Red-headed, Hairy, and Downy Woodpeckers; Great Crested and Least Flycatchers; Eastern Pewee; American Crow; Blue Jay; Black-capped Chickadee; White-breasted Nuthatch; House Wren; Gray Catbird; Brown Thrasher; Cedar Waxwing; Yellow-throated, Red-eyed, and Warbling Vireos; Yellow Warbler; Northern Oriole; Rose-breasted Grosbeak; Indigo Bunting; and Chipping and Song Sparrows.
In winter check for owls, waxwings (Bohemian is common some winters), grosbeaks (mainly Evening but some Pine), siskins, and crossbills (both species).
Another productive location is the Riverside Cemetery. To get there from Lindenwood Park turn left back onto 5th Street South. Go south for about three blocks to the cemetery on the left. Although it attracts nowhere near the number of birds that Lindenwood does, you are never bothered by crowds of people, and it can be good in migration for warblers and thrushes. Things are usually pretty dead in summer, but in winters when there is an eruption of northern finches the cemetery is good for Red Crossbills, Pine Siskins, and Pine Grosbeaks.
Oak Grove Park has essentially the same avifauna as Lindenwood Park. To reach it from Lindenwood, turn right (north) on 5th Street South and right on 13th Avenue South at the water treatment plant. Turn left on 4th Street South and go several blocks until you come to the YMCA, on the left. Turn right at the signal light, and follow the road as it bends around the river. Continue under the railroad tracks and past the civic center on Second Street North. Take the first right after the Shakey’s Pizza House (left side). There should be a sign pointing the way to Oak Grove High School. After a few blocks the street becomes South Terrace, which leads to the park just beyond the school gymnasium.
Most of the birds will be the same as those seen at Lindenwood, although three species—the Common Screech-Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, and Northern Cardinal—are more easily found here. The owl (seldom seen) is most often heard calling on summer evenings from the trees across the river from the athletic field. The woodpecker, which ranges widely along the river in winter, has nested in the immediate vicinity in recent years. The Northern Cardinal can be seen almost anywhere along the river in winter (usually at feeding stations), but it is seen here more than anywhere else during spring and summer. The Wood Duck and Spotted Sandpiper seem to prefer this undisturbed stretch of the river.
Another good spot is not far from Oak Grove. From the park backtrack on South Terrace and turn right on the first street beyond Fossom Hall, or, if you wish, on the alley just behind it. Turn left on North Terrace, and, when the street forks, go right on North River Road, which ends at Mickelson Field. Most of this area has been converted into ball diamonds, but there is still a strip of trees following the river which can be productive on early mornings in migration. Walking is easy on the bike trail, so a good stretch of the river can be readily covered. In the early evening listen for the Common Screech-Owl, and keep an eye out for Common Nighthawks and Chimney Swifts cruising over the ball diamonds. Along the open stretch of the river, look for both Eastern and Western Kingbirds. Check the banks closely for Wood Duck broods and Spotted Sandpipers. Dead snags hanging over the water are favorite perches of Belted Kingfishers and flycatchers.
Try walking north along the river to the dam. There is always some open water which attracts over-wintering waterfowl, including an occasional Common Goldeneye. Winter birds here are typical of the ones found along the Red River in the Fargo area—Great Horned Owl; Pileated, Hairy, and Downy Woodpeckers; Common Flicker; American Crow; Blue Jay; Black-capped Chickadee; White-breasted and Red-breasted Nuthatches; Brown Creeper; Cedar and Bohemian Waxwings; Northern Cardinal; Evening and Pine Grosbeaks; Purple Finch; American Goldfinch; Pine Siskin; Red and White-winged Crossbills; Northern Junco; and White-throated Sparrow.
Keep in mind that although some birds are often easy to find in winter, their abundance varies drastically from year to year. The resident birds are fairly stable, but winter visitors, such as the waxwings and finches, may be everywhere one year and nowhere the next. Keep an eye out for feeders, which are often the best places to find the northern finches. If you have time for only one spot in spring, summer, or fall, your best bet is Lindenwood Park. Under similar conditions in winter try the Riverside Cemetery.
If you still have not found a Bohemian Waxwing, try driving through the residential areas, keeping your eyes trained on the tops of bare trees and on the ground near berry bushes. (It might also be wise to watch the road from time to time.) The waxwings are especially fond of crab-apples and highbush cranberries. This bird is very erratic, but in years when it is common it can be found almost anywhere. Your first look may be of a group of 20 or more perched high in a tree.
There should be no problem in separating this species from the Cedar Waxwing, which is smaller and yellower in color. A good field mark for the Bohemian is the reddish under-tail coverts. In flight the waxwings give a Starling-like appearance.
If you are here in winter and need a respite from the cold, hop into your car and try some open-country birding. Some good birds may be found 19 without leaving the warmth of the car. Using this technique, you will really have to explore on your own. Take any of the main roads out of Fargo, and go wherever the habitat and the plowed roads lead you. One area in general that is usually pretty good can be reached by going south on I-29 for about 6.0 miles from I-94. Then go about three miles west to the town of Horace, and work your way south and west from there.
A word of caution should be heeded before setting out on back roads. Snow and mud, which may prevail from December through early April, can make these roads unfit for travel, especially for a large vehicle such as a motor home. Many roads are little traveled, and help may be a long time in coming. Being stranded in a North Dakota snowstorm is no joke.
Birding country roads can be productive from September through April. At the right time in fall, hawks may be everywhere. On some days in late September, every other post seems to have a hawk on it. Most will be Red-tails and Northern Harriers, but watch for Swainson’s and Ferruginous. If you are really living right, you may even turn up a Peregrine Falcon. In September and October the fence lines, ditches, and sloughs may hold a variety of sparrows, such as Savannah, Vesper, Field, American Tree, Lincoln’s, White-throated, and Harris’. In October and November, and again in March and April, watch for longspurs, which occur by the thousands in some fields (look especially around marshy areas in fall). Check carefully for a Smith’s or a Chestnut-collared, although the vast majority will be Laplands. Two other birds to look for in October and November are the Rough-legged Hawk and Short-eared Owl. A few of each usually winter, but most occur only as late migrants. The owl is somewhat diurnal and is often seen cruising over the fields like a large, tawny moth.
Few species are found in the open areas in winter, but the ones present are pretty choice. Large flocks of Snow Buntings will usually be the most conspicuous birds. Buntings and Horned Larks often feed right along the road. American Goldfinches and Common Redpolls are often abundant in weed-filled ditches or in sunflower fields. Check redpoll flocks closely for a Hoary, which is uncommon, but in good years not especially hard to find.
Color in redpolls varies, so a light-colored bird does not always signify a Hoary. The best field mark is the unstreaked, white rump. Fortunately, this species has a habit of holding the wings in such a way that the rump can be clearly seen.
Gray Partridge are often found in small flocks in the fields. At a distance they look like large clumps of dirt against the white snow. Rusty Blackbirds are sometimes encountered around farms. Watch also for Northern Shrikes, which are usually perched in some conspicuous spot. This species seems to prefer the sloughs, where there is an abundance of the mice, voles, and shrews upon which it feeds.
Probably the most sought-after of the winter species is the Snowy Owl. This bird may be seen right along I-29 on poles and signs. In some years it 20 is almost common, but hard to see if it is out in the middle of a snow-covered field, where it can look amazingly like another lump of snow-covered sod. Occasionally, it may linger until early April. When some of the snow has melted, it is easier to see.
In April and May, flooded fields often make for good shorebirding with several species present, including large numbers of Lesser Golden and Black-bellied Plovers and such rarities as the Buff-breasted Sandpiper.
SEWAGE LAGOONS
For shorebirding, one area stands out—the North Fargo Sewage Lagoons. Start at the Beef and Bun Drive-In on the corner of 19th Avenue and North University Drive in Fargo. Turn right on Cass County Road #31 and go past the airport.
At County Road #20 jog left for 0.3 mile, and continue right again on County Road #31 (gravel surface). Drive 2.5 miles and stop on the right at the home of Art Lies. Ask for the key to the gate at the lagoons. Make sure to explain that you are a birder, because illegal shooting has occurred in the past. Art is a birder and will be able to tip you off to any rare visitors at the lagoons.
From the house go a mile straight down the road, watching and listening for Western Kingbirds, Dickcissels, and Clay-colored and Savannah Sparrows. When the road winds to the right, continue straight at the yield sign. The dikes on your left can be driven, so continue to the gate, drive through, and make sure to reclose the lock.
There are six lagoons, and the bird life is different at each. Because the water levels are constantly changed and controlled, this area is especially productive during dry summers when the potholes in the area dry up. Check the ponds with low water levels for shorebirds, pipits, and longspurs.
Twenty-seven species of shorebirds have been found; most are typical of similar habitat throughout the area—American Avocet; Lesser Golden Plover (peak numbers have reached 6500 in late September); Black-bellied Plover; Semipalmated Plover; Killdeer; Ruddy Turnstone; Marbled Godwit; Willet; Red Knot; Dunlin; Sanderling; Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs; Short-billed and Long-billed Dowitchers; Solitary, Spotted, Stilt (often in large numbers), Pectoral, Baird’s, Least, White-rumped, Semipalmated, and Western (uncommon) Sandpipers; Common Snipe; and Northern and Wilson’s Phalaropes.
Both Sprague’s and Water Pipits occur in migration (most commonly in fall and mostly in October). The latter species is much more common. Longspurs appear by the thousands in October, especially in the fields and ditches surrounding the lagoons. Although the majority will be Laplands, check carefully for Smith’s and Chestnut-collared. Snow Buntings can often be found by driving the dikes in November.
The ponds with deeper water are the ones to check for ducks and grebes. Large concentrations occur in April, September, and October, when close to twenty species of ducks and geese may be found. The geese are more often seen resting on mud bars or on the dikes than on the water. Most will be Canadas and Snows (both phases), but a few Greater White-fronteds are seen. All of the ducks and grebes normal to the area can be expected, and the lagoons have even managed to attract such rarities (for this part of the state) as Oldsquaw (very early spring), Greater Scaup (possibly regular but overlooked), White-winged Scoter, and Red-necked Grebe. Other species found at the lagoons in the past include Double-crested Cormorant, Sora, Franklin’s Gull, Bonaparte’s Gull, and Black Tern. The gulls alone have presented quite a spectacle on different occasions, with peak numbers of over 30,000 Franklin’s and 200 Bonaparte’s present at one time.
Make sure to lock the gate on the way out and return the key. Remember, the accessibility of this area in the future depends upon you.
NORTH FARGO SEWAGE LAGOON
Another fruitful spot for transient shorebirds and waterfowl is the West Fargo Sewage Lagoons. To reach them, start at the signal light at Main Avenue and 1st Street in West Fargo. Travel 1.0 mile north, turn left (west), and continue for 1.0 mile to the lagoons. The water levels are usually rather high, so shorebirds are not abundant. However, these ponds do attract a large variety, including some of the larger ones such as Marbled and Hudsonian Godwits. When the grassy ditches bordering the ponds are filled with water, it is not unusual to find Common Snipe and Wilson’s Phalarope.
The main attraction is the number of waterfowl using the lagoons in migration. April seems to be the best month. The ducks, all in their best spring plumages, appear to cover the water’s surface. The Lesser Scaup is usually the most numerous, but several other species vie for second honors. Mallards, Common Pintails, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Northern Shovelers, Blue-winged Teal, Redheads, Canvasbacks, Ring-necked Ducks, Ruddy Ducks, and Common Mergansers are usually common every spring. Other species occurring in smaller numbers are Green-winged Teal, Wood Duck, Common Goldeneye, and Bufflehead. The birder who has the patience to check out all of the ducks present may turn up something extra-special such as a Greater Scaup, Oldsquaw, White-winged Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, or Hooded Merganser. Common Loons; Eared, Horned, and Pied-billed Grebes; Whistling Swans; Canada, Snow, and Greater White-fronted Geese; and Northern Harriers also visit the lagoons at some time.
WEST FARGO SEWAGE LAGOON
RICHLAND COUNTY
To reach what may be the best river-bottom habitat in the southeast sector, start from the town of Leonard (southern-most Cass County) and go 1.0 mile south on State Highway 18. Turn left (east) on State Highway 46 and go 5.0 miles before turning right (south) on Highway 18 again as it leaves Highway 46. Drive 4.0 miles and turn right (west). (If you miss the turn, in another mile you will come to the Sheyenne River.) Go 5.0 miles and turn left (south). Stay on this road as it begins to follow the river east. After about 5 miles, you may start birding.
This area is well-wooded with American elm, green ash, bur oak, basswood, and many other species. There is also a lush under-story. It is typical of Sheyenne River bottomlands throughout the area with one important difference: this area is not posted nor fenced. It is one of the few good stretches still open to the public. The birds are representative of deciduous forest communities in this sector of the state. Migrants pass through in large numbers, and, because of the great amount of habitat available, this area holds one of the highest densities of wintering birds in the state.
Three species could be considered as specialties of the area—Barred Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, and Scarlet Tanager. All nest in the vicinity. This is the only area in the state where the Barred Owl is known to nest, and the other two species are quite restricted as well.
After 7.6 miles turn left (north) at the 4-H sign. After 2.3 miles you will reach the road on which you entered. Turn right (east) and continue 4.0 miles back to Highway 18.
The Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge, an area for transient and nesting waterfowl and marsh species, can be reached by starting just north of Cayuga at State Highway 11 and going south on County Road #12 through the town. After 4.7 miles you may turn left on a dirt road, which wraps around Lake Tewaukon. However, you may wish to continue on to the headquarters (turn left at a sign 5.5 miles south of starting point) to get a map, bird-list, and current information on birds and road conditions.
There are four large water-areas on the refuge—Lake Tewaukon, Cutler Marsh, White Lake, and Clouds Lake. All are supplied by the Wild Rice River and its tributaries. The refuge also contains several hundred acres of upland terrain dotted with potholes.
Perhaps the most spectacular aspect of the bird life is the numbers of geese which stop here in migration. Spring flights are greater than those in fall, with peak populations of over 100,000 geese (mostly Snow Geese of both color phases) present at one time. In addition, large numbers of ducks pass through, and several species nest. Eared, Western and Pied-billed Grebes all nest, and small numbers of American White Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants can be seen throughout the summer.
Although the great numbers of geese usually get the most raves from out-of-staters, there is a more interesting side to the refuge from the North Dakota birder’s standpoint. It and other similar marshlands in the southeastern sector draw into the state several species with more southern affinities. A good example is the Great Egret. A rare migrant and late-summer visitor over the rest of the state, here, it is fairly common in late summer. Other species which could fall into such a category include Little Blue Heron, Cattle and Snowy Egrets, Least Bittern, White-faced Ibis, American Black Duck, and King Rail. All are decidedly rare, not only here but throughout the state. Although most occur every year, they are not to be expected by the visiting birder, but they do show the potential of the area.
Besides attracting all of the common migratory shorebirds, the refuge can boast of nesting Willets, Marbled Godwits, and Upland Sandpipers. Soras and Virginia Rails are fairly common in the marshy areas, as are Marsh and Sedge Wrens. Sharp-tailed and Le Conte’s Sparrows are uncommon nesters in wet, grassy areas. The Swamp Sparrow (fairly common in migration) should be watched for in summer, because there are a few colonies nesting in the county. Yellow-headed Blackbirds are abundant, and in some years Short-eared Owls nest. Some of the more interesting upland species include Gray Partridge, Bobolink, Dickcissel, Lark Bunting, Grasshopper Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, and Chestnut-collared Longspur.
A nice woodland area may be reached by going west on State Highway 46 from State Highway 32 about four miles west of Enderlin. Go 12.6 miles and turn left (south) at the sign to Little Yellowstone State Park.
This park is not an outstanding birding spot, but it can be good in spring and fall, and it does offer a pleasant spot to camp. It is well wooded and therefore good for any of the species typical of this habitat, as well as for accipiters and owls (Great Horned and Common Screech). Most of the transient warblers found at Fargo also occur here, although some of the more marginal eastern species, such as the Northern Parula, are not to be expected this far west. Large numbers of sparrows frequent the brushier areas during migration. Some of the more abundant species include White-throated, White-crowned, Harris’, Lincoln’s, American Tree, and Field Sparrows.
BARNES COUNTY
Lake Ashtabula, located predominantly in Barnes County, provides several interesting birding spots. One of the best is around Baldhill Dam. To reach the dam from Valley City, take Main Street East through the downtown area. Take the first right (Central Avenue North) after the city park and follow the signs for Lake Ashtabula, Baldhill Dam, and the Fish Hatchery. At 12th Street Northeast turn right. After 0.3 mile turn left at a sign for the dam. Continue for 0.8 mile and turn left after the grain elevator toward Wesley Acres. After 1.8 miles the fish hatchery will be on your left.
The Valley City National Fish Hatchery grounds provide prime birding for woodland passerines, especially during migration. The ponds are often good in spring and early summer for American White Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorants, Black and Forster’s Terns, and all of the swallows found in the state. Later in summer when the ponds are being drawn down for fish removal, there can be excellent viewing of shorebirds. A display of captive waterfowl is located on the grounds, where you may drool over (but not count) Barnacle Geese and others.
After leaving the hatchery, continue north on the same road, keeping an eye out for Wild Turkeys in the field to your left. These turkeys have been stocked and restocked by the fish and game department until a sizable flock has been built up. The most consistent spot along this road for seeing them is on your left in 2 to 4 miles. The road forks 6.6 miles north of the hatchery. The left fork winds up at Baldhill Dam. By going straight, you will come to a recreation area after 0.8 mile. You can get from one spot to the other by walking the dike.
Yellow-headed Blackbird
The area surrounding the dam contains many diversified habitats. Almost any type of bird may be found here: grebe, waterfowl, wader, shorebird, raptor, gallinaceous fowl, gull, tern, or passerine. The grassy hillsides around the parking lot may harbor Ring-necked Pheasants in any season. A footbridge over the dam and onto the dike is a good vantage point, providing a good view of a stretch of the Sheyenne River below the dam. Both Eastern and Western Kingbirds may be seen on the hillsides leading down to the river, and as many as six species of swallows (Cliff, Barn, Tree, Bank, Rough-winged, and Purple Martin) hawk for insects over the river. The Cliff and Tree are the most numerous. American White Pelicans and Black-crowned Night Herons can usually be seen fishing directly below the dam. This is also a good place to check in winter and early spring for Common Goldeneye and Common Merganser. By scanning the sandbars farther downstream, you should be able to find several species of shorebirds during migration. Ring-billed Gulls will be constantly circling overhead from spring to fall. In spring and fall keep your eyes and ears open for flocks of geese and Sandhill Cranes flying overhead.
Across the bridge, there are steps down the side of the dike to several settling ponds which are productive in migration for shorebirds such as Semipalmated Plover, Baird’s Sandpiper, both species of yellowlegs, and Marbled and Hudsonian (rare) Godwits. Franklin’s Gulls may be seen in numbers in spring and fall (especially in October).
If you visit the dam from the recreation area, walk down the side of the dike and check the river at the first point available. The water ends here in a quiet pool surrounded by trees and brush. Oftentimes, a Green Heron will fly as you enter. This has been a consistent spot for it. Black-crowned Night Herons, Wood Ducks, and Spotted Sandpipers are common along the river from here to below the dam. In May the brush and trees are often crawling with warblers. In September and October, the brushy borders are full of sparrows, including Song, Lincoln’s, White-throated, White-crowned, and Harris’.
The wooded ravines will usually produce the following nesting species: Eastern and Western Kingbirds, Great Crested and Least Flycatchers, Eastern Pewee, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow Warbler, Northern Oriole, Indigo Bunting, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
From the recreation area continue northeast for 2 miles and turn left (north) on the first intersecting road. After about 2 more miles you will come to a sign reading “Sundstrom’s Landing Recreational Area”. On the right across from the sign, a gravel trail leads up the small hill to some prairie habitat worth investigating. Look for Eastern Bluebird, Dickcissel, and Grasshopper Sparrow. Clay-colored Sparrows are particularly numerous. Before birding this spot continue for 0.2 mile to the recreation area to park your car. For easterners, the bird of most interest is the Western Kingbird, a sure thing at the recreation area. American White Pelicans can be seen from the point, and Western Grebes are occasionally found. Check small wooded ravines in the area for migrant passerines.
One of the best spots in Barnes County for viewing migrating waterfowl and shorebirds is Hobart Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The lake can be seen from I-94, about 7.0 miles west of Valley City. However, there is no place along the interstate to stop and scan. For viewing purposes, take I-94 west from Valley City and turn right (north) at Exit 1 for 1.4 miles to the lake.
Large numbers of Snow and Canada Geese use the refuge in migration, and American White Pelicans are usually present during early and mid-summer. Grebes, shorebirds, and some ducks can be found throughout the summer. The refuge is especially good for Whistling Swans, with up to 1,000 or more present for several weeks in fall.
Continue past Hobart Lake for 2.9 miles to the Sanborn Waterfowl Production Area. This marshy area is good for Soras and Virginia Rails, Marsh Wrens, and, when the water levels are low, shorebirds. Watch also for Le Conte’s and Sharp-tailed Sparrows. Continue west on Highway 1 for 29 another 3.9 miles to check a large alkaline lake that is excellent for shorebirds.
A fruitful spot for migrant and breeding passerines is the Clausen Springs Recreational Area. To reach it, go south on Highway 1 from I-94 for 15.5 miles, turn left (east), and follow the signs to the springs. If you are coming from the south, go north on Highway 1 for 2.0 miles past Highway 46 (not far from Little Yellowstone State Park), turn right (east), and follow the signs.
This can be a delightful spot to bird on a hot summer day! There is a small lake, a pleasant stream, and lots of trees for shade. It is good for all of the regular migrant flycatchers, warblers, vireos, and sparrows. It also attracts some interesting breeding birds, one of which is the Orchard Oriole. This is one of the better spots in the southeastern sector for this species. Other nesting species include Belted Kingfisher, Western Kingbird, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Pewee, House Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Yellow Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Song Sparrow. Clay-colored Sparrows are common on the grassy hillsides, and the lake occasionally attracts some ducks or shorebirds.
The best birding area in this county, Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge, ranks as one of the best in the state. The starting point is the north edge of Edmunds (northwest of Jamestown on U.S. Highway 281). From here, turn right (east) at the refuge sign onto County Road #44. After 5.4 miles you may turn left to the headquarters, or just beyond you may turn right for the self-guided auto tour.
A visit to the headquarters is suggested, not only for information but also for some good viewing of waterbirds along the way. In summer look for Western, Eared, Horned, and Pied-billed Grebes; American White Pelican; Double-crested Cormorant; numerous ducks; gulls (including an occasional California); terns; shorebirds; swallows; and blackbirds. Ask at the office for a map, checklist, and information on desired species and access to other parts of the refuge.
While here, you may wish to inquire about Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which is administered from Arrowwood. This lake is of interest because it has what is reputed to be the largest nesting colony of American White Pelicans in the world. Large numbers of Double-crested Cormorants and Ring-billed and California Gulls nest here.
Access is limited in order that people will not disturb the birds. The only roads leading to the lake are better described as trails and, for the most part, do not get too close. This is no real loss, because all of the species here can be found easily elsewhere.
The auto tour at Arrowwood is a must. In summer check the boggy areas surrounded by weedy fields at the start of the tour for Willow Flycatcher, 30 Marsh and Sedge Wrens, Bobolink, Dickcissel, and Savannah, Grasshopper, Clay-colored, Le Conte’s (uncommon), and Sharp-tailed (uncommon) Sparrows. Most of the route traverses fine grasslands dotted with many species of shrubs, including silverberry and wolfberry. In these areas watch for Sharp-tailed Grouse, Gray Partridge, Upland Sandpiper, Sprague’s Pipit, Baird’s Sparrow, and Chestnut-collared Longspur.
Other nesting species include Black-crowned Night Heron; American Bittern; Gadwall; Common Pintail; Mallard; Green-winged, Blue-winged, and Cinnamon (rare) Teals; American Wigeon; Northern Shoveler; Wood Duck; Redhead; Ring-necked Duck; Canvasback; Lesser Scaup; Ruddy Duck; Swainson’s Hawk; Northern Harrier; Ring-necked Pheasant; Sora; Virginia Rail; American Coot; Willet; Marbled Godwit; American Avocet; Wilson’s Phalarope; Forster’s and Black Terns; Long-eared Owl (rare); Eastern and Western Kingbirds; Black-billed Magpie (uncommon); Loggerhead Shrike (uncommon); Yellow-headed Blackbird; and Lark Bunting.
KIDDER COUNTY
The Baird’s Sparrow is rather common in the area surrounding Salt Alkaline Lake. To reach the lake take the Crystal Springs Exit (#18) off I-94, drive west on the lateral road along the north side for 1.5 miles, and turn north. After 1.7 miles you will pass a lake on the right side with a sign saying “Waterfowl Production Area”. There is another on the left. Salt Alkaline Lake is 2.7 miles ahead on the left. At 5.0 miles from the freeway, turn left for a closer look.
Both Salt Alkaline Lake and the lake before it have grassy borders, which are summer havens for Baird’s Sparrows. In 1976, Burrowing Owls 31 nested in bordering fields and should be watched for again. Also check for migrant ducks and shorebirds. The mixed-grass prairie along the road is good for Chestnut-collared Longspur.
A prime spot for Sprague’s Pipit is also within easy reach of I-94 in Kidder County. Take the Tappen Exit (#46) and drive 4.0 miles north on County Road #71 to an extensive pond. Check the grassy margins for the pipit. This area has one of the highest breeding densities in the state. For best results the entire marshy area should be skirted. To do so drive another 1.0 mile north, 1.0 mile west, 2.0 miles south, and then 1.0 mile east back to County Road #71. By walking the appropriate grassy edges, you should have little problem in finding the bird. Just remember to respect any “No Trespassing” signs that might be encountered.
Still another great location is the Alkaline Lake Game Area. From Tappen (Exit #46) go south for 15.0 miles on County Road #71, and turn left (east) for 2.6 miles to the lake.
This large alkaline lake is a mecca for waterbirds in spring, summer, and fall. All of the regular grebes of North Dakota occur at one time or another. The Western Grebe nests in abundance. American White Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants can usually be found, because they range far from their nesting area on Chase Lake. Large numbers of all of the regular ducks, gulls (watch for California), and terns can be expected from April to October. This lake is especially good for shorebirds, among them American Avocet, Semipalmated and Piping (uncommon—nests) Plovers, both yellowlegs, Willet, Stilt Sandpiper, both dowitchers, Ruddy Turnstone (rare), Pectoral Sandpiper, Dunlin (rare), Sanderling, all of the peeps, and Wilson’s and Northern Phalaropes.
The Slade National Wildlife Refuge can be productive for waterbirds, but it is not outstanding. Skip it if time is limited. To reach the refuge take Exit #45 (Dawson) from I-94, and turn south on State Highway 3. After 3.0 miles turn left (east) at the sign. On the way you will pass a nice marsh where large numbers of grebes (especially Eared and Western), ducks, gulls, and terns congregate. Just 0.3 mile after turning there is a fork. Here you may go either straight (east) to the headquarters, or right (south) through a segment of the refuge.
LOGAN COUNTY
Probably the best birding in this county lies in and around Beaver Lake State Park. From Napoleon, travel south on State Highway 3 for about eight miles, turn left (east) at the sign, and drive 6.5 miles to Burnstad. At this point there are two routes. The left (north) goes 2.0 miles to the park itself. (There are plenty of signs marking the way.) The other goes south on a dirt road for 1.7 miles to several extensive ponds and marshy areas.
The lake may be good in migration for loons, grebes, waterfowl, pelicans, and cormorants. It has a lot of open water that is deep enough to attract some of the rarer northern ducks such as Oldsquaw, Black Scoter, or White-winged Scoter. The few trees and brushy tangles should be checked in spring and fall for passerines, especially sparrows (The Harris’ can be common at times.).
The ponds south of Burnstad can be particularly productive for all marsh species from spring through fall. Close views may be obtained of American White Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, Black-crowned Night Herons, American Bitterns, Soras, Virginia Rails, Black and Forster’s Terns, Marsh Wrens, Common Yellowthroats, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, and almost any grebe, duck, or shorebird common to the state.
Black-headed Grosbeak
The southwest sector will be of the most interest to visitors from the east. While marshlands are generally fewer here, there are still a few areas that attract large numbers of waterbirds. For the most part, all of the North Dakota prairie specialties can be found. The uniqueness of this area lies in its penchant for attracting western species which are marginal in the state.
Dickcissel
The infrequent water areas (including wooded river bottoms), the extensive sage prairies, the evergreen forests, and the arid badlands serve to attract species such as Cinnamon Teal, Prairie Falcon, Golden Eagle, Sage Grouse, Mountain Plover (accidental), Long-billed Curlew, California Gull, Burrowing Owl, Poor-will, Lewis’ Woodpecker, Say’s Phoebe, Western Pewee, Black-billed Magpie, Clark’s Nutcracker, Rock Wren, Sage Thrasher, Mountain Bluebird, Townsend’s Solitaire, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (accidental), Black-headed and Blue Grosbeaks, Lazuli Bunting, Gray-crowned Rosy Finch, Brewer’s Sparrow, and McCown’s Longspur.
Although some of these species should not be expected by the visitor, the true degree of regularity of their occurrence is not really known because of the lack of observers in this area. If you have the spare time for exploring, do it here. Not only may you turn up an exciting western lifer for yourself, you may add to our knowledge of the status of certain marginal species as well.
Water areas (especially large marshes) are relatively few in the southwestern sector. Probably the best of these is Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge. To reach it go south on Highway 83 (Exit 40) from I-94 for 12.0 miles before turning left (east) at the sign. Refuge roads lead around Long Lake and through some good marshes.
During migration, this is one of the best spots in the state. Some of the more interesting migrants are: Whistling Swan; Canada and Greater White-fronted Geese; Cinnamon Teal (rare); Common Goldeneye; Bufflehead; White-winged Scoter (rare); Hooded (rare), Red-breasted (rare), and Common Mergansers; Golden and Bald Eagles (uncommon); Peregrine Falcon (rare); Whooping (rare) and Sandhill Cranes; Semipalmated, Lesser Golden (rare), and Black-bellied (rare) Plovers; Ruddy Turnstone (rare); both yellowlegs; Hudsonian Godwit (rare); Sanderling (rare); Northern Phalarope; Solitary, Pectoral, Baird’s, White-rumped, Least, Stilt, and Semipalmated Sandpipers; Herring, California, and Bonaparte’s Gulls; Sprague’s Pipit; Le Conte’s (rare), Sharp-tailed (rare—may nest), and Harris’ Sparrows; and Lapland Longspur.
Although migration is the most exciting time, the refuge should not be by-passed in summer. Species to be seen then include Horned (uncommon), Eared, Western, and Pied-billed Grebes; American White Pelican; Double-crested Cormorant; Black-crowned Night Heron; American Bittern; Mallard; Gadwall; Common Pintail; Green-winged and Blue-winged Teals; American Wigeon; Northern Shoveler; Redhead; Canvasback; Lesser Scaup; Ruddy Duck; Swainson’s, Red-tailed, and Ferruginous Hawks; Northern Harrier; Sharp-tailed Grouse; Gray Partridge; Virginia Rail; Sora; American Coot; Piping Plover; Killdeer; Willet; Spotted and Upland Sandpipers; American Avocet; Wilson’s Phalarope; Ring-billed and Franklin’s Gulls; Common, Forster’s, and Black Terns; Short-eared Owl; Eastern and Western Kingbirds; all of the regular swallows; Marsh and Sedge 35 Wrens; Loggerhead Shrike; Bobolink; Western Meadowlark; Yellow-headed, Red-winged, and Brewer’s Blackbirds; Dickcissel; Lark Bunting; Grasshopper and Baird’s Sparrows; and Chestnut-collared Longspur.
Another area which is often good is McKenzie Slough. To reach it take Exit #39 off I-94, and go south through McKenzie. The slough begins just south of the town. When water levels are high enough, the following nesting species can be expected: American Bittern, Mallard, Common Pintail, Blue-winged Teal, Gadwall, Ruddy Duck, American Coot, Pied-billed and Eared Grebes, Sora, Marsh Wren, Common Yellowthroat, and Red-winged and Yellow-headed Blackbirds. During migration, this spot attracts many of the same species found at Long Lake. Chestnut-collared Longspurs nest in the pastures along this road (south of the slough).
The city of Bismarck (population 34,703) lies on the east side of the Missouri River in western Burleigh County. Not only is it the state capital, but also it contains a habitat unique in the region—Missouri River bottomland forest. At one time almost four hundred miles of this habitat could be found. It stretched from the South Dakota border in the south-central part of the state to the Montana border in the northwestern part. The construction of dams brought about the subsequent flooding of the bottomlands until the forests had been reduced to a 75-mile stretch between Bismarck and the Garrison Dam and a few miles from Lake Sakakawea to the Montana border. Much of what little remains is being cleared for housing and agriculture.
Nesting species found in this habitat include Red-tailed Hawk; American Kestrel; Wild Turkey; Mourning Dove; Black-billed Cuckoo; Great Horned Owl; Common Flicker; Red-headed, Hairy, and Downy Woodpeckers; Least Flycatcher; Black-capped Chickadee; White-breasted Nuthatch; Blue Jay; Black-billed Magpie; American Crow; House Wren; Brown Thrasher; Gray Catbird; American Robin; Veery; Eastern Bluebird (usually restricted to semi-open areas and adjacent fields); Cedar Waxwing; Red-eyed, Warbling, and Bell’s (rare) Vireos; Black-and-white (uncommon) and Yellow Warblers; Ovenbird; Yellow-breasted Chat; American Redstart; Orchard and Northern Orioles; Common Grackle; Brown-headed Cowbird; Scarlet Tanager (rare); Black-headed Grosbeak; Indigo (uncommon) and Lazuli Buntings; American Goldfinch (open areas); Rufous-sided Towhee; and Chipping, Clay-colored, Field (open areas), and Song Sparrows.
The woodlands bordering the Missouri River are the best places in the Bismarck vicinity to look for migrant passerines, such as Red-breasted Nuthatch; Brown Creeper; Hermit, Swainson’s, and Gray-cheeked Thrushes; Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets; Black-and-white, Tennessee, Orange-crowned, Magnolia, Yellow-rumped, Blackpoll, Palm, and Wilson’s Warblers; Northern Waterthrush; Purple Finch; Northern Junco; and Harris’, White-crowned, White-throated, Fox, and Lincoln’s Sparrows. Birds to watch for in winter include Great Horned Owl, Common 36 Flicker, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, Blue Jay, Black-billed Magpie (semi-open areas and margins), Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch, Northern Junco, and American Tree Sparrow (open areas). Both species of waxwings can be found in most years as well.
SIBLEY ISLAND
Typical bottomland habitat can be found near Sibley Island. To reach it start at the Bismarck Airport on the road to the terminal and drive south on Highway 1804 for 2.1 miles. Turn right (west) on a surfaced road. After 0.5 mile you have a choice of continuing straight (west) or turning left (south). To reach the best habitat, turn left and follow the road as it swings to the left. Go 2.2 miles (.5 mile past the bend) and turn right at the sign to the Girl Scout camp.
The road passes through excellent bottomland habitat. This consists mostly of cottonwood, green ash, box elder, and to a lesser extent American elm and bur oak. The understory, which is thick in some areas, includes Wood’s rose, red-osier dogwood, snowberry, bittersweet, and wild grape.
After birding around the camp, drive all the way to the river. From the high banks you will have a good vantage point from which to look over the sandbars for the area’s three specialties—Piping Plovers, Little Terns, and skinny-dippers. The latter species, although cosmopolitan in range, is quite rare in North Dakota. (When present they are “hard to miss”.)
The Piping Plover can sometimes be found in good numbers. This is one of the best areas in the state for them. Likewise, this stretch of the river is the only known nesting site for the Little Tern in North Dakota. When looking for them, remember that their locations vary from year to year, depending on the sandbars. The best way to find them is to check as many points along the river as possible. A spotting scope would be very useful in looking for all three aforementioned species.
If you do not get the plover or tern here, backtrack 2.2 miles to the fork before the Girl Scout camp and turn left (west). Drive 0.5 mile to 12th Street or 1.5 miles to Washington Street. By taking either south you will eventually reach the river. The view at the end of Washington Street is better, but access may be difficult if the river is high. During migration you may want to check General Sibley Park along Washington Street for passerines.
The city of Mandan lies in Morton County just across the Missouri River from Bismarck. Most of the birds here are about the same as on the other side of the river, but there are some important exceptions.
To reach the best spots, take I-94 west to Mandan and turn off onto Main Street (I-94/Highway 10 Business Loop). Turn left (south) on 6th Avenue Southeast at the sign to Fort Lincoln State Park. This street becomes Highway 1806 and leads to most of the better birding spots.
Fort Lincoln State Park (about four miles south of Mandan) is worth a visit. It is not a particularly good spot for birds, although you will probably find typical upland species present. The most interesting feature of the park is its historical significance. There are three important sites: 1) the Slant Indian Village, which was once occupied by the Mandan Indians, 2) Fort McKeen Infantry Post, which was occupied by the 6th Infantry, and 3) Fort Abraham Lincoln, home of the colorful George Armstrong Custer and his famous 7th Cavalry. The two military posts were active in the late 1800’s. The park also offers an interpretive museum, picnic sites, and several modern camping sites (complete with electrical hook-ups).
Continue south on Highway 1806 for 6.0 miles to the Little Heart River. Turn left on an unmarked side road just north of the bridge. This passes under an old railway trestle and through a field of alfalfa and tall wheat grass. A colony of Sedge Wrens has nested here in recent years. This area is also dependable for Gray Partridge, Bobolink, American Goldfinch, Dickcissel, and Grasshopper Sparrow. At the field’s edge and in the woods look for Cedar Waxwing, Veery, Yellow-breasted Chat, Northern and Orchard Orioles, Lazuli Bunting, Black-headed Grosbeak, and other typical bottomland birds.
Several roads lead from Highway 1806 down to the river, some of which you may want to take in order to look for bottomlands species and migrants. Some 4.0 miles past the Little Heart River Bridge, a small road leads left to a good point for Piping Plover and Little Terns.
Another interesting spot is 6.8 miles past the bridge. Here, you will enter a small badlands with several severely eroded buttes, much like those in the extreme western part of the state. Watch for Turkey Vulture, Swainson’s and Ferruginous Hawks, Western Kingbirds, and Say’s Phoebes (rare; look near old buildings). Rock Wrens can be surprisingly common. The best way to find them is to park and walk past eroded buttes. It is just a matter of watching and listening for their distinctive series of trills.
Rock Wren
A great place for winter birding is the Northern Great Plains Research Station in Mandan. To reach it, continue west on Main Street past Highway 1806 and turn left after one mile on Highway 6 (8th Street Northwest). Cross the railroad trestle and continue on 10th Avenue Southwest for 0.8 mile to a bridge. Just beyond, turn right at the sign.
These grounds are good for winter birding because of the conifers. Look for all of the regular winter species and for invaders such as Cedar and Bohemian Waxwings, Pine Siskins, Purple Finches, Pine (rare) and Evening Grosbeaks, Red Crossbills, and Golden-crowned Kinglets. The Townsend’s Solitaire, although rare, has been a fairly frequent visitor in recent years. The trees are good also for roosting owls. With luck, you may even turn up a Long-eared Owl.
DUNN COUNTY
Yet another location for migrant and nesting waterbirds is Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge. To reach it, start just south of the town of Killdeer at Highway 22, go east for 3.0 miles on Highway 200, and turn right at the sign.
Drive south through the mixed-grass prairie, which is good for Northern Harrier, Swainson’s Hawk, Ring-necked Pheasant, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Eastern and Western Kingbirds, Horned Lark, Lark Bunting, Lark and Grasshopper Sparrows, and Chestnut-collared Longspur. Turn left (2.0 miles) and bird until the road dead-ends at a farmhouse.
To bird the rest of the refuge, return to Highway 200 and head east again. Turn right (1.5 miles) toward the recreation area (just before the cemetery). After 0.3 mile the road forks. Go straight (keeping right) and follow the road as it heads to the lake and then makes a little square back to the road on which you entered. By taking this little loop you will get a good view of Lake Ilo. From this vantage point look for Common Loon (rare migrant), Western Grebe, American White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron (lake edges), Black-crowned Night Heron (lake edges), ducks and geese, and Sandhill and Whooping (rare) Cranes (migration—lake edges).
After taking the loop, turn right and drive 0.4 mile. Turn left and almost immediately swing to the right (at the fishing sign) and head toward the lake. Turn right at the sign pointing to the headquarters (0.5 40 mile). After 0.8 mile you may do three things: 1) turn right to the headquarters for information, 2) go straight for a different view of the lake, or 3) swing left to the slough.
The slough is the best area for birding. After swinging left, proceed for 0.8 mile, turn left, and drive for 1.1 miles past the entire marsh.
Species to be seen from spring to fall include Red-necked (rare), Horned (uncommon), Eared, Western (uncommon), and Pied-billed Grebes; Great Blue Heron; Black-crowned Night Heron; American Bittern; Mallard, Common Pintail; Blue-winged Teal; Northern Shoveler; Gadwall; American Wigeon; Ruddy Duck; American Coot; Sora; Virginia Rail; Killdeer; Spotted Sandpiper; Willet; Marbled Godwit; American Avocet; Wilson’s Phalarope; Black Tern; Belted Kingfisher; Eastern and Western Kingbirds; Barn, Cliff, and Tree Swallows; Marsh Wren; Common Yellow-throat; Red-winged, Brewer’s, and Yellow-headed Blackbirds; and Song and Savannah Sparrows. Many other ducks, shorebirds, and swallows may be seen as migrants or as occasional summer visitors.
After driving by the marsh, turn right, south for 1.0 mile, and turn right on a road through a mixed-grass prairie, which is good for Chestnut-collared Longspurs and possibly for Baird’s Sparrows.
Bowman Haley Dam Refuge
Because of its position in the very southwestern corner of the state, Bowman County is one of the most exciting to bird. If you are going to find any truly western vagrants, your chances are better in either this county or the next two.
The best spot for both waterbirds and grasslands species is Bowman-Haley Dam National Wildlife Refuge. To reach it go north on U.S. Highway 85 from the South Dakota border for 5.3 miles, and turn right on an improved gravel road at a sign saying “Bowman-Haley Dam Recreation Area”. (This turn-off is about 11 miles south of Highway 12 near Bowman.) Go 5.0 miles east and turn right (south) at the sign saying “Point Rec Area 3 Miles”. After 2.0 miles turn left (east).
In the first mile check the roughly-plowed fields for McCown’s Longspurs in both spring and summer. After 1.3 miles the road becomes narrower and grassier and begins to loop around the lake. It should still be passable in all but wet weather. From 1.3 miles until 4.8 miles (where the road ends at a fence), you will be traversing some excellent grasslands. Most are mixed-grass prairie, but close to the lake there are tall-grass fields choked with weeds.
The mixed-grass prairie is good for nesting Sharp-tailed Grouse, Gray Partridge, Upland Sandpiper, Marbled Godwit, Burrowing Owl, Sprague’s Pipit (uncommon), Baird’s Sparrow, and Chestnut-collared Longspur. In the weedy fields where vegetation is taller and thicker, look for Bobolink, Dickcissel, and Clay-colored, Vesper, Grasshopper, and Savannah Sparrows.
For a different view of the lake, back-track to Highway 85, turn right (east), drive 3.0 miles, turn right (south), go 1.9 miles until the road forks, and swing right toward the marina. After 0.2 mile bear right. This road is good for birding, and there are picnic sites as well as room to spread your sleeping bag.
The lake is mostly open water with few marshy areas. It is not particularly good for nesting waterfowl. Nevertheless, in summer you should be able to find American White Pelicans; Double-crested Cormorants; Great Blue Herons; Ring-billed, California, and Franklin’s Gulls; and Black Terns although only the latter nests. A sprinkling of ducks use the lake in summer—both those that nest here and those from neighboring marshes. During migration, check for transient ducks, geese, and shorebirds. Short-eared Owls nest in the grassy areas.
The wooded ravines, tree lines, and shelterbelts provide habitat for migrant and nesting passerines. Look for Black-billed Cuckoo, Eastern and Western Kingbirds, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Yellow Warbler, Orchard Oriole, American Goldfinch, and Rufous-sided Towhee (spotted race).
ROAD FROM RHAME
There are two roads in the western part of Bowman County along which most of the specialties of the area can be found. The first starts from the town of Rhame (northwest of Bowman on U.S. Highway 12). From Rhame go south on a paved road for 6.0 miles. Watch for a power relay station (Slope Electric Cooperative) on the left, and turn right (west) on the next road (paved). Start watching the fields and roadsides for Northern Harrier, Swainson’s and Ferruginous Hawks, Merlin (rare), Sharp-tailed Grouse, Gray Partridge, Western Kingbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Lark Bunting, Vesper Sparrow, and McCown’s and Chestnut-collared Longspurs.
After 5.0 miles the road swings south. Stay with it for 7.0 miles, and turn right (west) on a dirt road, which starts to zigzag south just beyond a cattleguard some 2.2 miles ahead. Go 2.8 miles and watch on the right for a large field peppered with black sage. Check here in summer for Sage Grouse, Long-billed Curlew, Sage Thrasher (very rare), and Brewer’s and Lark Sparrows.
Rock Wrens and Belted Kingfishers nest in the eroded buttes by the stream, and Say’s Phoebes and Cliff Swallows nest under the bridge. Lark Buntings and Lark Sparrows are rather common.
Rock Wren Habitat near Rhame
A better road for most of these species starts at Marmarth (Slope County) and runs south to the state line. From the middle of Marmarth (The St. Charles Hotel should be on your left.), proceed west for 0.4 mile. Turn left on a gravel road which angles off just before Highway 12 swings to the right and crosses a bridge over the railroad tracks.
Heading south, you will pass a prairie-dog town on your right after 13.1 miles. This town is not very conspicuous from the road, but it is rather extensive. Watch for Black-tailed Prairie Dog, Black-footed Ferret (one was observed here in 1976), Burrowing Owl, and McCown’s Longspur.
The predominant habitat is short-grass prairie with extensive flats of black and silver sages. Some of the hillsides have lots of junipers. This is good raptor country. Look for Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier, Swainson’s and Ferruginous Hawks, Prairie Falcon, and Golden Eagle. Harding County (directly south in South Dakota) is known as one of the best areas in that state for Golden Eagles, so it is possible that many of the eagles seen in Bowman spill over from Harding.
This road passes through some of the best habitat in the state for Sage Grouse. Sharp-tailed Grouse are also numerous. The Long-billed Curlew, although uncommon, is present each year in these sage-covered grasslands. Other species to look for are Mountain Plover (accidental); Common Nighthawk; Horned Lark; Loggerhead Shrike; Western Meadowlark; Lark Bunting; Vesper, Lark, and Brewer’s (common) Sparrows; and Chestnut-collared and McCown’s Longspurs.
Some 4.8 miles beyond the prairie-dog town, turn left on a dirt road to the Little Missouri River, where the trees and brush act as a migrant trap. During migration, it is the natural spot to turn up a western vagrant. 44 Return to the main road and continue south for 2.2 miles to a small bridge near an eroded butte. Check for Say’s Phoebes and Cliff Swallows. Some 6.0 miles farther there is a larger bridge, where Cliff Swallows nest in good numbers, and you may find a Belted Kingfisher or a Say’s Phoebe. The state line is at the end of the bridge.
If you did not find a Sage Grouse in Bowman County, try the road from Marmarth to Amidon. It is 42 miles long, and takes off from the east edge of Marmarth, where it is marked by a sign. The best area is the first six miles, where the sage is thickest. However, it may be worthwhile to drive the entire road.
While in Marmarth, check the trees in the residential area for nesting Western Pewees. One place where they have nested in the past is in the cottonwoods at the Marmarth Picnic Area. Turn left (south) off Highway 12 on the first street west of the St. Charles Hotel, drive 0.2 mile, and swing right to the small picnic area.
Stewart Lake National Wildlife Refuge is excellent for marshland and grassland birds. To get there go north from Bowman on U.S. Highway 85. After 12.0 miles turn left (west) by the flying-goose sign. After 3.0 miles turn right and cross the cattleguard toward the lake.
This refuge is rather small, but in migration the lake attracts all of the regular ducks, shorebirds, gulls (watch for California), terns, and swallows. Species which nest in the reedy borders include American Bittern, Blue-winged Teal, American Coot, Sora, Spotted Sandpiper, Wilson’s Phalarope, Black Tern, Marsh Wren, Common Yellowthroat, and Red-winged and Yellow-headed Blackbirds. In the mixed-grass prairie watch in summer for Northern Harrier; Sharp-tailed Grouse; Upland Sandpiper; Burrowing Owl; Horned Lark; Sprague’s Pipit; Loggerhead Shrike; Lark Bunting; Baird’s, Lark, and Grasshopper Sparrows; and Chestnut-collared Longspur.
BURNING COAL VEIN CAMPGROUND
Evergreen forests are limited in North Dakota, being found primarily in the badlands of the Little Missouri. Most tracts are dominated by juniper. However, in north-central Slope County a large tract of several hundred acres dominated by ponderosa pine borders the Burning Coal Vein Campground and Columnar Juniper Area.
To reach the area, continue north on Highway 85 from the turn-off to Stewart Lake for 10 miles and turn left on a gravel road at a sign for the campground. Go 0.2 mile and turn left. After 1.0 mile turn right. Stay on this road (follow the signs) for the next 10.2 miles and turn right to the campgrounds. The turn-off to the picnic area is 1.2 miles up the road.
For the past few miles you will have passed excellent stands of ponderosa pine. This hilly, forested country is more reminiscent of the Black Hills of South Dakota than of anything which one might expect to find in North Dakota. This is the only place in the state where the Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon’s race) nests. It can be found on practically any pine-covered slope. Its call note, a distinctive “chip”, may be of great use in locating the bird.
Other species of the pine forests include Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin (rare), Wild Turkey, Mourning Dove, Common Flicker (red-shafted race), Black-billed Magpie, American Crow, Red-breasted Nuthatch (rare), Brown-headed Cowbird, Rufous-sided Towhee, and Chipping Sparrow.
Another specialty of the area is the Poor-will, an uncommon breeder, which is more easily found on the periphery of the forested slopes than in the middle of them. A good place to watch and listen for it in the evenings is the area directly surrounding the Columnar Juniper Area (just up the road from the picnic site). Overlooking the spot is a pull-off which makes a good vantage point.
Check the brushy tangles at the picnic area for House Wren, Brown Thrasher, Lazuli Bunting, Rufous-sided Towhee, and Chipping and Lark Sparrows. Open flats and arid slopes surrounding the pine forest should be checked for Prairie Falcon and Say’s Phoebe.
Pine Forest
Besides being one of the most scenic, Billings County is one of the most rewarding to bird. As is the case with Bowman and Slope Counties, this county is good for western specialties and vagrants.
The two best areas can be reached from the town of Medora. The first is Sully’s Creek State Park. At the eastern edge of town by a sign for the park, turn south on East River Road. Keep left at the first fork and right at the next two. After 2.5 miles you will reach the campground.
This 80-acre park is nestled along the Little Missouri River and contains a good stand of cottonwoods and willows surrounded by sagebrush flats and grasslands. There is a high dirt cliff along the eastern edge, 47 where Prairie Falcons sometimes nest and (if you are lucky) Big-horned Sheep play around.
Sully Creek State Park
Birds are abundant. One can expect to find most of the typical “badlands” species. Along the river look for Belted Kingfisher, any of the regular swallows, and migrant waterfowl and shorebirds. The sagebrush flats are good for Sharp-tailed Grouse, Gray Partridge, and Field Sparrows. In the cottonwoods and among the tangles of wild rose, snowberry, and currants, you may find Common Flicker (both red-shafted and yellow-shafted races, as well as many hybrids), Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Eastern Kingbird, Least and Willow Flycatchers, Western Pewee (rare), Blue Jay, American Crow, White-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, House Wren, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing, Red-eyed and Warbling Vireos, Yellow and Black-and-white Warblers, Ovenbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, American Redstart, Northern (Bullock’s) Oriole (rare), Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Rufous-sided Towhee (spotted form), and Chipping Sparrow. The chat is heard more often than seen, but “pishing” noises are often effective in bringing this species out into the open.
The other top spot in Billings County is the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial, for which the exit is well marked along I-94. The entrance is at the western edge of Medora (which you may want to explore). Just inside the park there is a visitors’ center with interpretive displays and a good selection of books dealing with the natural history of the area. The 38-mile scenic loop is an excellent drive for seeing the park and its birds.
There are several prairie-dog towns scattered throughout the park. The first is 3.1 miles up the scenic loop. Check this and other towns for Black-tailed Prairie Dog, Burrowing Owl, and Black-billed Magpie. To the left of the town there is a Sharp-tailed Grouse dancing ground. Look for performing males.
Black-tailed Prairie Dog
Watch on the left for the turnoff to the Cottonwoods Campground, which is about 5.4 miles from the visitors’ center. This spot lives up to its name in that there are many cottonwoods. It is a good place for Common Flicker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-eyed and Warbling Vireos, Northern (Bullock’s) Oriole (rare), Black-headed Grosbeak, and Lazuli Bunting. In the summer, there are lots of people in addition to the birds.
A better area can be reached by continuing for 1.0 mile, turning left, and then immediately right to the picnic area. This spot is not only well-wooded, but also it has good patches of secondary growth. Look here for Common Flicker, Willow Flycatcher, Western Pewee, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Red-eyed and Warbling Vireos, Black-and-white and Yellow Warblers, Ovenbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, American Redstart, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Rufous-sided Towhee, and Chipping Sparrow.
The Jones Creek Trail (1.3 miles past the picnic area) passes through vegetation typical of the park. There is also an excellent stand of sage. Although not many birds are seen along the trail, it is good for Sharp-tailed Grouse, Rufous-sided Towhee, and Field Sparrow.
Most of the park is occupied by short-grass prairie spotted with occasional large sagebrush flats. Many of the rolling hills and ravines are covered with junipers.
In open areas, watch for Swainson’s and Ferruginous Hawks; Prairie Falcon; Golden Eagle; Sharp-tailed Grouse; Black-billed Magpie; Mountain Bluebird; Rufous-sided Towhee (brushier areas); Field, Grasshopper, and Lark Sparrows; McCown’s and Chestnut-collared Longspurs; Bison; White-tailed Jackrabbit; Mule Deer; Gopher Snake; and Prairie Rattlesnake. Check in the vicinity of eroded buttes for Poor-will (rare), Say’s Phoebe, and Rock Wren.
These badlands are fairly good in winter, mainly for raptors and western vagrants. Look for Northern Goshawk (rare), Rough-legged Hawk, Prairie Falcon (rare), and Bald (rare) and Golden Eagles. Townsend’s Solitaires usually winter, and Clark’s Nutcrackers and Gray-crowned Rosy Finches sometimes wander over. In fact, 200 of the latter species were found on a recent Medora Christmas Count. Other species found here are Sharp-tailed Grouse, Ring-necked Pheasant, Great Horned Owl, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, Horned Lark, Black-billed Magpie, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted and Red-breasted (uncommon) Nuthatches, American Robin, Bohemian and Cedar Waxwings, Northern Shrike, Evening Grosbeak, Purple Finch, Common Redpoll, and American Tree Sparrow.
After visiting the park, it is easy to see how Theodore Roosevelt developed such a keen interest in conservation from having lived here.
Swainson’s Hawk
This sector is known chiefly for its large concentrations of breeding waterfowl and for its prairie specialties, such as the Baird’s Sparrow. The density of nesting waterbirds (not just ducks, but also grebes, cormorants, herons, etc.) is truly spectacular, and the number and abundance of prairie specialties would warm the heart of any lister. Another dimension to this sector (in addition to the lakes, potholes, prairie grasslands, and wooded coulees) is the badlands habitat with many western species at the edge of their ranges.
Because of the unique blend of habitats, the northwestern sector is strongly recommended to the visiting birder for top priority. If you are limited in time, a tour of the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and of the refuges around Kenmare should enable you to see most of the state’s specialties. While a visit between the months of September and April could be more profitably spent in some other part of the state, you could hardly go wrong in visiting here between May and August.
As mentioned, badlands habitat does exist in the northwest sector. Its easternmost extension is found around the Little Missouri State Park. To reach it, go north from the town of Killdeer on State Highway 22 for about 17 miles, turn right (east) at the sign for the park, and proceed to the camping area.
This is still a primitive area, and the campground is not developed. All trails are for hiking and horseback riding only. If your time is limited, 51 forget this spot and go on to the North unit of Roosevelt Park. However, if you enjoy the peace and solitude of primitive areas, this is the place for you.
The park has not been birded much, so it is hard to say what you may find. Judging from the habitat, almost any badlands-type bird could be found. Some of the likely ones include Say’s Phoebe, Black-billed Magpie, Mountain Bluebird, and Lazuli Bunting.
North Unit Roosevelt Memorial
One of the most interesting and unique places to bird in the state has to be the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial. Most of the western species which inhabit the south unit can be found here also, and most birders who have visited both units agree that the north unit is better. This may be true partly because people-pressure is greater in the south unit, which lies right along the interstate.
To reach the park, go south from Watford City on U.S. Highway 85 for about 15 miles and turn right (west) at the sign. The headquarters are at the entrance.
The most productive birding spot is Squaw Creek Campgrounds, which is 5.1 miles from the headquarters. There are large trees (mostly cottonwoods) as well as an ample understory in many places. Breeding species include Common Flicker (both Red-shafted and Yellow-shafted, as well as many hybrids), Downy Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Western Pewee (rare), Black-capped Chickadee, Brown Thrasher, Gray Catbird, Red-eyed and Warbling Vireos, Black-and-white Warbler, Ovenbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, American Redstart, Lazuli Bunting, Black-headed Grosbeak, Rufous-sided Towhee (spotted race), and Field Sparrow (open 52 areas adjacent to the campgrounds). This is one of the most consistent locations in the state for finding the chat, bunting, and grosbeak. By making a careful check of the cottonwoods, you should be able to turn up several Common Nighthawks, which rest on the more horizontal limbs during the day.
Besides providing good nesting habitat, the wooded areas and thickets along the river serve to attract numbers of migrants and wintering species. In winter watch for Northern Goshawk (rare), Ring-necked Pheasant (willow thickets), Great Horned Owl, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, American Crow, Black-billed Magpie (more-open areas), Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, Bohemian and Cedar Waxwings, Northern Shrike (willow thickets), Evening Grosbeak, Common Redpoll (willow thickets), and American Tree Sparrow (willow thickets).
Squaw Creek Campground
The rest of the park is mostly short-grass prairie mixed with large patches of sage, rolling hills spotted with junipers, and sharply eroded buttes streaked with colorful veins of clay and mineral deposits. The birds to be found in the open areas are Swainson’s and Ferruginous Hawks; Prairie Falcon; American Kestrel; Golden Eagle; Sharp-tailed Grouse; Black-billed Magpie; Mountain Bluebird; Western Meadowlark; Field, Grasshopper, and Lark Sparrows; and Chestnut-collared Longspur. The Say’s Phoebe and Rock Wren should be watched for (and listened for) around eroded buttes, sharp cuts, and under bridges.
You will probably see few birds in the open areas of the park in winter, but look for Rough-legged Hawk, Golden Eagle, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Gray Partridge (prefers cultivated fields), Snowy and Short-eared Owls, Horned Lark, Black-billed Magpie, Northern Shrike, Western Meadowlark, American 53 Goldfinch, Common Redpoll, and American Tree Sparrow. In early and mid-November Sandhill Cranes pass over the badlands by the hundreds.
The park personnel can provide a detailed list of nature trails. One that merits mention is the Caprock Coulee Nature Trail, which winds through an area of junipers. Even though you will not be overwhelmed with birds, the trail is an interesting one. Look for Golden Eagle, Mountain Bluebird, Rufous-sided Towhee, Field Sparrow, Coyote, and Mule Deer. This trail is a consistent spot for seeing Mountain Bluebirds. Each year there are usually a couple of nesting pairs.
Another trail takes off from the Caprock Coulee Trail and leads over the ridge to a prairie-dog town, where the dogs are much wilder than those of the roadside colonies. Since the colony is somewhat remote, your chances are better for finding a Burrowing Owl. At any rate, you should find Black-billed Magpie, Western Meadowlark, and Field Sparrow.
For a pleasant place to camp, go south on Highway 85 from the park for 4.8 miles and turn right (west) to the Custer National Forest Summit Campgrounds (not deluxe but more than adequate). There is a nice scenic overlook, and you may even find some good birds. Wild Turkeys may be seen in nearby ravines.
A fine marsh can be found just south of Williston (the second largest town in the northwestern sector) in northern McKenzie County. From U.S. Highway 2 just west of town, go south on Highway 85 for 2.3 miles and cross the Missouri River. For the next couple of miles the road transects fine marshlands, which should be checked for all of the usual waterbirds.
One of the better locations for transient and breeding waterbirds and grasslands species is the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge. To reach it, go north on U.S. Highway 83 from County Road #48 north of Coleharbor for 2.8 miles and turn right (east). After 0.5 mile, turn left to the headquarters for a map, birdlist, and current information.
This refuge (formerly Snake Creek Refuge) was renamed in honor of John James Audubon, who made one of his last painting and collecting expeditions to this area in 1843. About the only thing that has not changed since he was here is the extremely rich birdlife.
Most of the transient ducks and shorebirds common to the state can be found in migration. Probably the most exciting migrant is the Whooping Crane (rare), which occasionally stops on its way to or from the breeding grounds in Canada. Hundreds of Sandhill Cranes put in an appearance each spring and fall. Some of the other interesting migrants include Greater White-fronted Goose, Common Goldeneye, Golden and Bald Eagles (also in winter), Osprey (rare), Peregrine Falcon (rare), California Gull (actually a summer visitor), Short-eared Owl (occasionally nests), and Harris’ Sparrow (tree lines).
Although it is migration that brings the rarities, summer is just as exciting. Audubon Refuge has a great variety of habitats, including mixed-grass prairie, open water, marshy bays of the reservoir, prairie potholes, and salt-grass marshes. This makes for a tremendous diversity of breeding birds. Some of the more interesting ones are: Horned, Eared, and Western Grebes; American White Pelican (summers in good numbers but does not nest); Double-crested Cormorant; Black-crowned Night Heron; American Bittern; Canada Goose (reintroduced nester); Mallard; Gadwall; Common Pintail; Blue-winged and Green-winged Teals; American Wigeon; Northern Shoveler; Redhead; Canvasback; Lesser Scaup; Ruddy Duck; Northern Harrier; Swainson’s and Ferruginous Hawks; Sharp-tailed Grouse; Ring-necked Pheasant; Gray Partridge; Sora; Virginia Rail; Upland Sandpiper; Willet; Marbled Godwit; American Avocet; Wilson’s Phalarope; Ring-billed and Franklin’s (visitor) Gulls; Common and Black Terns; Black-billed Cuckoo; Burrowing Owl; Eastern and Western Kingbirds; Marsh Wren; Brown Thrasher; Sprague’s Pipit; Bobolink; Western Meadowlark; Yellow-headed Blackbird; Dickcissel; Lark Bunting; Savannah, Grasshopper, Baird’s, Le Conte’s, Sharp-tailed (rare), Vesper, and Clay-colored Sparrows; and Chestnut-collared Longspur.
The nearest lodging accommodations are at Garrison and Riverdale. Coleharbor has service stations and a cafe.
Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge is one of the better ones in the state. To reach it, start at the northern edge of Stanley, go north from Highway 2 on Highway 8 for 21.6 miles and turn left (west) at the sign. From here it is just a short way to the headquarters, where you can pick up a refuge map and checklist, and obtain up-to-date information about road conditions and desired species. (The resident dog is dangerous, so exercise appropriate caution.)
Lostwood consists basically of rolling hills dotted with potholes. Mixed-grass prairie is the dominant habitat, but there are several shelter-belts and small woodlots as well as numerous wetlands. The major difference between Lostwood and other refuges in the northwest sector is the presence of several alkaline lakes providing attractive habitat for Piping Plover, American Avocet, and California Gull.
Waterfowl concentrations in spring, summer, and fall border on the spectacular. The purely transient species are the Greater White-fronted and Snow Geese, Whistling Swan, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, and Common and Red-breasted Mergansers. The ducks which nest are the Mallard, Gadwall, Common Pintail, Blue-winged and Green-winged Teals, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Canvasback, Lesser Scaup, and Ruddy Duck.
Other waterbirds which summer on the refuge are Horned (uncommon), Eared, Western, and Pied-billed Grebes; American White Pelican; 55 Double-crested Cormorant; Great Blue Heron; Black-crowned Night Heron; American Bittern; Virginia Rail; Sora; American Coot; Piping Plover (alkaline lakes); Spotted Sandpiper; Willet; Marbled Godwit; American Avocet; Wilson’s Phalarope; California (uncommon visitor), Ring-billed, and Franklin’s Gulls; and Forster’s, Common, and Black Terns. Other species to look for around water areas include Short-eared Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Willow Flycatcher (boggy areas), all of the swallow species found in the state, Marsh Wren, Sedge Wren (wet meadows), Red-winged and Yellow-headed Blackbirds, and Le Conte’s and Sharp-tailed Sparrows (wet grassy areas).
In the prairie areas look for Red-tailed and Swainson’s Hawks; Northern Harrier; Sharp-tailed Grouse; Gray Partridge; Upland Sandpiper; Eastern and Western Kingbirds; Horned Lark; Sprague’s Pipit; Loggerhead Shrike; Bobolink; Western Meadowlark; Lark Bunting; Savannah, Grasshopper, Baird’s, Vesper, and Clay-colored Sparrows; and Chestnut-collared Longspur.
WARD COUNTY
There are few avid listers who have not heard about the area surrounding Kenmare. The town has become famous in birding circles largely because of the field work done there by Ann and Bob Gammell, and because of their hospitality in showing off the area’s specialties to visiting birders. Perhaps the single factor which generated the most publicity about Kenmare and its birds was the American Birding Association’s first convention, which was held here in June of 1973. Birders who attended were astounded by the density and diversity of birds to be found breeding throughout the prairie-pothole country.
What makes Kenmare so special? For one thing, it is surrounded by national wildlife refuges. The town itself lies right in the middle of Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge. Lostwood Refuge is only a short distance to the southwest while Upper Souris Refuge is just to the southeast. These three areas contain almost every major habitat type to be found in the region, and Kenmare makes a great base for exploring all three. The town is not large (1,515 people as of 1970), but there are several gas stations, stores, cafes, and motels.
Des Lacs Refuge
The best birding spot is Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge. This large refuge (about 19,000 acres), following the Des Lacs River Valley, extends from the Canadian border to a point about eight miles south of Kenmare. The river valley contains both open-water lakes and marshlands. Bordering the valley is mixed-grass prairie punctuated by numerous wooded coolees (trenchlike wooded ravines).
Because this refuge is so large, it is here divided into three routes which cover most of the better areas. Caution: After heavy rain all of these routes can be almost impassable.
Route #1) Tasker’s Coulee and Refuge Headquarters. This trip begins in Kenmare. From U.S. Highway 52 go west on Highway 2 (6th Street Northeast). When it swings right after 1.1 miles, continue straight on County Road #1 (south). At this point you have been transecting part of the lake. Watch for Western and Eared Grebes. After 0.4 mile turn left to the headquarters for a checklist, map, and current information on road conditions. The wooded area surrounding the buildings may provide good birding, especially during migration. In summer look for Black-billed Cuckoo, Great Horned Owl, Common Flicker, Eastern and Western Kingbirds (margins), Eastern Pewee, Least Flycatcher, House Wren, Brown Thrasher, Gray Catbird, Cedar Waxwing, Warbling Vireo, Yellow Warbler, Orchard Oriole, and American Goldfinch (margins).
To reach Tasker’s Coulee return to County Road #1 and continue south. Bear left on County Road #1A as it heads up the hill. About 1.7 miles past the turn-off to the headquarters, turn left at the sign saying “Recreation Area”. After 0.5 mile you will descend into Tasker’s Coulee Recreation Area.
This coulee is well wooded with American elm, green ash, box elder, aspen, and several kinds of shrubs—including wild plum.
Many species of birds nest here with a great many more stopping during migration. Among the nesting species are Cooper’s Hawk, Black-billed Cuckoo, Great Horned and Long-eared Owls, Common Flicker, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Kingbird, Eastern Phoebe, Willow (borders) and Least Flycatchers, House Wren, Brown Thrasher, Gray Catbird, Veery, Red-eyed and Warbling Vireos, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Black-and-white and Yellow Warblers, Northern Oriole, American Goldfinch, Rufous-sided Towhee (spotted race), and Clay-colored Sparrow.
Route #2) The Old Lake Road. The starting point for this tour is along County Road #1A at the turn-off to Tasker’s Coulee. Continue from the turn-off for 2.0 miles and turn left on Ward County Road #4. After 2.8 miles swing to the left. After 6.1 miles on County Road #4 turn left on Highway 52. Turn left again (0.5 mile) on a dirt road marked by a refuge sign. This will take you along the lake back to Kenmare. It makes for excellent birding because the lake with its reedy border will be on your left, while to your right are grassy hillsides peppered with several shrubby thickets. In the latter habitat watch for Swainson’s Hawk, Eastern Kingbird, Willow Flycatcher, Brown Thrasher, Gray Catbird, and Clay-colored Sparrow.
The lake itself is especially good for grebes (Western Grebe should be easy.); American White Pelican; Double-crested Cormorant; ducks and geese; Black, Forster’s, and Common Terns; and Ring-billed, Franklin’s, Herring, California, and Bonaparte’s Gulls (the latter three occur only as uncommon migrants or summer visitors). Large numbers of shorebirds feed along the open shore or on mudflats during spring migration and from July to October. Some of the shorebirds to be seen are Semipalmated 58 Plover; Killdeer; Ruddy Turnstone (rare); Lesser Golden Plover (uncommon to rare); Willet; Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs; Spotted, Solitary, Pectoral, White-rumped (uncommon), Baird’s, Least, Stilt, and Semipalmated Sandpipers; Long-billed Dowitcher; Marbled Godwit; American Avocet; and Wilson’s and Northern Phalaropes. The reedy borders of the lake should be watched for Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, American Bittern, Virginia Rail, and Sora. Check the reeds for Marsh Wren and the taller grass closer to the road for Sedge Wren.
Go 2.0 miles to a small bridge under which dozens of Cliff Swallows nest. All of the other swallow species found in the state can be seen along this road. After 7.2 miles you will come out on Central Avenue.
Route #3) Boating Area Road and Sharp-tailed Grouse Photo Blind. This tour begins at Highways 52 and 2 (6th Street Northeast) in Kenmare. Turn west on Highway 2. Drive 1.0 mile and turn right (west) on Ward County Road #2. The grassy marsh on your left can be excellent for bitterns, rails, swallows, and Black Terns. After 0.7 mile turn right on a gravel road going north. Cross the railroad tracks, pull over to the side, and walk the meadow to your right. This area has been good in the past for Le Conte’s and Sharp-tailed Sparrows. Watch also for Willow Flycatcher, Common Yellowthroat, Bobolink, and Savannah Sparrow.
Continuing along Upper Des Lacs Lake, you should see all of the grebes, pelicans, cormorants, ducks, gulls, terns, swallows, and blackbirds seen on the preceding tour, but this route is not as good for shorebirds or marsh species. The road is bordered for some way by a wooded area (primarily second-growth) with all of the normal nesting and migrant passerines.
After 4.0 miles you will see a boating and picnic area to the right. Just beyond this, turn left. Turn right at the yield sign (0.8 mile), and then turn right again on Highway 52 (5.0 miles). After 0.9 mile turn left on a gravel road and immediately pull off to the right at a dirt road by a gate. (There should be a small refuge sign on it.) By walking past the gate and following the trail, you will come to a photo blind overlooking a Sharp-tailed Grouse dancing ground. During spring as many as 40-60 birds may be seen displaying. The blind may be used for photography or simple observation. However, you are required to check with refuge personnel before entering.
To return to Kenmare, continue past the turn-off to the blind for 11.0 miles to Highways 52 and 2.
The bird which brings more birders to Kenmare (and to North Dakota for that matter) than any other has to be the Baird’s Sparrow. While it can be found in appropriate habitat over most of the state, there is one place where it is probably easier to find than in any other—Longspur Pasture, a privately owned area of mixed-grass prairie encompassing several acres. To reach it, start at Highway 52 in Kenmare. Turn west on Highway 2, go 1.0 mile, and turn right (northwest) on Ward County Road #2. After 59 about 6.0 miles go straight west on Ward County Road #2A for 3.0 miles to an old country school-house on your right. Go another 1.5 miles and pull over just beyond two small tree rows. Longspur Pasture is the fenced, grassy field on the left (south) (west of the tree rows). Cross the fence to bird, but remember that this is private land and should be respected as such. Cattle are sometimes encountered in the pasture.
This quarter-section of relatively unspoiled prairie may not look like much, but it is one of the most productive spots around for finding the prairie specialties. Sprague’s Pipit, Baird’s Sparrow, and Chestnut-collared Longspur are almost a sure thing between mid-May and mid-August (the longspurs may leave by early August). Other species which may be encountered are Gray Partridge, Marbled Godwit, Burrowing Owl, Horned Lark, Western Meadowlark, and Savannah and Grasshopper Sparrows. Pronghorn Antelope sometimes come to the small waterhole to drink.
You may have to walk south into the field where the grass gets a little taller to find the Baird’s Sparrow. It likes to sing from the patches of wolfberry and silverberry. During the early stages of the nesting season, it is quite conspicuous. Later in summer singing diminishes, and the bird becomes a little harder to find. At this time it also seems to stick closer to the ground. However, you can still get good views by herding it toward a patch of wolfberry or silverberry. After being flushed a couple of times, the sparrow will often fly to the shrub and perch in plain view nervously repeating its call note, which is quite like that of the Savannah Sparrow (a sharp “chik”).
The Sprague’s Pipit may be slightly harder to see well. It prefers to stay on the ground where it is difficult to spot because of the grass. When flushed, it usually flies a short way and drops back into the grass. Unlike the Baird’s Sparrow, the pipit may be hardest to see when singing because it sings while on the wing (like a Horned Lark) and sometimes at amazingly high altitudes. At Longspur Pasture you will often hear its “swishing” song from overhead without being able to see the bird. Do not be discouraged by all of this. You may still get a good look at the Sprague’s Pipit. In spring and early summer it often perches on fence posts or sits around the muddy edges of the stock pond, where the grass does not obscure the view.
Longspur Pasture
Still one more large refuge in the northwest sector is Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge. Although generally not as productive as Lostwood or Des Lacs, it is a good spring-through-fall birding location. The starting point is Foxholm (northwest of Minot on Highway 52). From the center of town (Miller’s Bar) go 0.7 mile north on U.S. Highway 52 and turn right on Ward County Road #11 at the flying goose sign. Go 5.6 miles, turn right, and after 0.8 mile turn left to the headquarters.
The best habitat is marshland behind locked gates. By asking at the headquarters, you may be able to obtain a key. Besides passing through marshland, these roads thread brushy pastures and wooded areas.
Some of the species on the marshes include Pied-billed, Eared, Horned, Western, and Red-necked (uncommon) Grebes; American White Pelican; Double-crested Cormorant; Great Blue Heron; Black-crowned Night Heron; American Bittern; all of the ducks, geese, shorebirds, gulls, and terns normal to the sector; American Coot; Virginia Rail; Sora; all of the state’s swallows; Marsh Wren; Common Yellowthroat; Yellow-headed, Red-winged, and Brewer’s Blackbirds; and Song, Sharp-tailed (uncommon), and Le Conte’s (common) Sparrows.
In the brushy pastures and wooded areas, you may see Eastern Kingbird, Willow Flycatcher, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Pewee, Sedge Wren (tall-grass areas), Brown Thrasher, Gray Catbird, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow Warbler, Bobolink, Northern Oriole, and Song and Clay-colored Sparrows. These wooded areas are especially productive during migration for transient passerines.
Upper Souris Refuge
One of the better places is a large alkaline lake near Westby on the Montana-North Dakota line. To find it, start in the center of town (by the large grain elevator), and drive east on State Highway 5 for 2.3 miles before turning left (north) on a gravel road. Watch for Chestnut-collared Longspurs. After 2.0 miles you should be able to see the south end of the lake on the left. The main portion will be visible for the next few miles, and the whole distance should be driven.
This is the site of one of the few active California Gull colonies in North Dakota. Ring-billed Gulls also nest, so care should be exercised in identification. Most of the grebes, ducks, waders, and shorebirds common to the western half of the state can be found—often in good numbers. Sprague’s Pipits and Baird’s Sparrows should be watched for in grassy areas.
If you still need McCown’s Longspur, get back on State Highway 5 and head east to Crosby. Check the stubble fields adjacent to the highway for several miles on all sides of town.
Wilson’s Phalarope
Although the northeast comes last among the chapters, it certainly does not come last in bird-finding potential. In fact, it may offer the best birding in the state. All of the waterbirds and grasslands species that North Dakota is known for may be found in this quarter. In addition it offers some specialties of its own. Several eastern passerines which occur in the rest of the state only as migrants nest here. This is the only place where the Ruffed Grouse is found, and it is here that one is most likely to find those northern species which rarely visit the state in winter—Saw-whet, Hawk, Boreal, and Great Gray Owls; Gray Jay; Northern Raven; and Boreal Chickadee.
The northeast contains a great diversity of habitats. Grasslands and prairie-potholes are present in ample amounts. The region also contains agricultural areas, large lakes, sandhills, well-wooded river bottoms, and rolling hills covered with stands of aspen, birch, and oak and dotted with small lakes. Indeed, it is a pleasure to bird the relatively cool forests of the northeast after the badlands and the hot, dry prairies to the west.
Scenic Tour Salyer Refuge
The best birding location in North Dakota may be J. Clark Salyer II National Wildlife Refuge, nestled along the lower reaches of the Souris River. It is ideal in that most major habitat types are represented. Included in its 58,700 acres are vast marshlands; uplands-sandhills; wet, grassy meadows; mixed-grass prairie, and well-wooded bottomland. The habitats are so diverse that over 250 species of birds have been recorded, of which about 125 nest.
To reach the refuge, go north on State Highway 14 from Upham for 2.5 miles and turn right. The headquarters is 0.3 mile ahead. Check for the usual assortment of checklists, pamphlets, and maps, including one showing the two public automobile trails. More importantly, you may pick up a trail-guide for the 22-mile scenic tour, which takes off from the headquarters, winds through the refuge, and eventually ends back on Highway 14 south of Upham. It traverses most of the major habitats.
The scenic tour passes through some very extensive marshlands which harbor, in addition to all of the common waterfowl and shorebirds, Red-necked (uncommon), Horned, Eared, Western, and Pied-billed Grebes; American White Pelican; Double-crested Cormorant (There is a nesting colony on the southern portion of the refuge.); Great Blue Heron; Black-crowned Night Heron; American Bittern; Northern Harrier; Virginia and Yellow Rails; Sora; American Coot; Ring-billed and Franklin’s Gulls; Forster’s, Common, and Black Terns; Short-eared Owl; Tree, Bank, Rough-winged, Barn, and Cliff Swallows; Purple Martin; Marsh and Sedge Wrens; Common Yellowthroat; Yellow-headed and Red-winged Blackbirds; and Le Conte’s and Sharp-tailed Sparrows.
Adjacent to many of the marshlands are wet, grassy meadows, which harbor some of the species found in the marshes and a few of their own, such as Yellow Rail, Short-eared Owl, Willow Flycatcher, Sedge Wren (very common), and Savannah, Le Conte’s, Sharp-tailed, and Song Sparrows. The Yellow Rail is rare but has been turning up with increasing frequency in the past few years. Because of its accessibility, this refuge is one of the best places to look for it.
A unique habitat found along the scenic tour is the sandhills. These tall ridges of sand, now covered by grasses and shrubs, were once a beach of glacial Lake Souris during the last ice age, about 10,000 years ago. Some of the birds to be seen while walking the sandhills (or any other open areas of the refuge) include Red-tailed and Swainson’s Hawks, American Kestrel, Sharp-tailed Grouse (There is a photo blind near a dancing ground on the refuge. To use it check with refuge personnel.), Ring-necked Pheasant, Gray Partridge, Mourning Dove, Common Nighthawk, Common Flicker, Eastern and Western Kingbirds, Say’s Phoebe (rare), Black-billed Magpie, American Crow, Mountain Bluebird (Most common as a spring migrant, but a few nest in the aspens.), Loggerhead Shrike, Brewer’s Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch, Rufous-sided Towhee, and Vesper, Lark, and Clay-colored Sparrows. Sandhill Cranes often pass overhead in migration.
One thing which distinguishes J. Clark Salyer from the other refuges to the west is the large amount of wooded area. Most of it is composed of American elm, box elder, and green ash in stands on the bottomlands along the Souris River. However, there are large mixed stands (mostly aspen) scattered across the uplands. These woodlands (especially those along the river) are natural migrant traps for transient passerines.
Some of the regular migrants are Olive-sided Flycatcher; Red-breasted Nuthatch; Brown Creeper; Hermit, Swainson’s, and Gray-cheeked Thrushes; Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets; Bohemian Waxwing; Black-and-white, Tennessee, Orange-crowned, Yellow-rumped, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, Mourning, and Wilson’s Warblers; Ovenbird; Northern Waterthrush; Rusty Blackbird; Purple Finch; and Harris’, White-crowned, White-throated, Fox, and Lincoln’s Sparrows.
Several species nest in these wooded areas. Two of the more interesting are the Wood Duck and the Hooded Merganser. Both nest either in natural cavities in trees along the river or in boxes provided by the refuge personnel. The Wood Duck is fairly common in similar habitat over the whole eastern half of the state, but this is about the only area where the Hooded Merganser may be expected.
Other woodland nesting species include Red-tailed and Cooper’s Hawks; Mourning Dove; Black-billed Cuckoo; Common Screech, Great Horned, and Long-eared Owls; Belted Kingfisher (along the river); Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers; Great Crested and Least Flycatchers; Eastern 65 Phoebe; Eastern Pewee; American Crow; Black-capped Chickadee; White-breasted Nuthatch; House Wren; Gray Catbird; Brown Thrasher; American Robin; Cedar Waxwing; Yellow-throated, Red-eyed, and Warbling Vireos; Black-and-white (rare) and Yellow Warblers; American Redstart; Northern Oriole; Brown-headed Cowbird; Rose-breasted Grosbeak; and Chipping Sparrow.
Grassland Tour Salyer Refuge
The second tour is the grasslands trail, which crosses 5 miles of mixed-grass prairie. It is usually passable from May 1 to September 15, but it should not be driven in wet weather, although you may still walk it. Precise directions may be obtained from the map at the headquarters, or you may find it by going east from Newburg (Bottineau County) for about 4 miles and turning north. The trail is marked.
Although not very long, the trail is great for finding the prairie specialties. Watch for Red-tailed and Swainson’s Hawks; Northern Harrier; Sharp-tailed Grouse; Gray Partridge; Marbled Godwit; Upland Sandpiper; Eastern and Western Kingbirds; Horned Lark; Sprague’s Pipit; Loggerhead Shrike; Bobolink; Western Meadowlark; Dickcissel; Lark Bunting; Grasshopper, Baird’s, Savannah, Vesper, and Clay-colored Sparrows; and Lapland (migration), Smith’s (rare—migration), and Chestnut-collared Longspurs.
BOTTINEAU COUNTY
The city of Bottineau is well-known in North Dakota as the gateway to the International Peace Garden, which symbolizes our long-standing friendship with Canada. More importantly to the birder, it is the gateway to the Turtle Mountains, which are actually low hills dotted with lakes and potholes surrounded by stands of aspen, poplar, birch, and oak. The west end of the mountains is just north of Bottineau, from which they extend 35 miles to the east. This popular recreation area is filled in summer with campers, boaters, fishermen, and water-skiers. The place is not nearly as crowded in winter, but you will still run across snow-skiers and those abominations of the north—the snowmobiles.
Most of the birds can be found just by exploring any accessible areas with good habitat. One specific spot which is usually rewarding is Lake Metigoshe State Park. To reach it start from 4th Street in Bottineau, go north on Main Street for 0.8 mile, and turn right at the sign for the park. Shortly you will pass the North Dakota State School of Forestry on your right. After 1.0 mile turn left (paved road). In 9.3 miles the road forks. Go 67 straight. This road leads along a large segment of the lake, which is peppered with resorts. Continue for 4.4 miles, and turn left to the park. Camping is allowed. There are even showers, which can feel great after a long day of birding.
The best thing about the park is the excellent nature trail. It stays close to the lake shore for awhile before cutting back through the middle of the forest to the campground. The trees and secondary growth along the way are typical of those found throughout the Turtle Mountains, and so are the birds. Some of the species to be found in summer include Cooper’s, Red-tailed, and Broad-winged Hawks; Ruffed Grouse; Black-billed Cuckoo; Ruby-throated Hummingbird; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker; Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers; Great Crested, Least, and Willow Flycatchers; Eastern Pewee; Blue Jay; American Crow; Black-capped Chickadee; White-breasted Nuthatch; House Wren; Brown Thrasher; Gray Catbird; Veery; Red-eyed, Warbling, Yellow-throated, and Philadelphia Vireos; Black-and-white, Yellow, Mourning, and Chestnut-sided Warblers; Northern Waterthrush; Ovenbird; American Redstart; Northern Oriole; Rose-breasted Grosbeak; American Goldfinch; Rufous-sided Towhee (eastern form); and White-throated (rare), Chipping, and Song Sparrows. The real prize has to be the Philadelphia Vireo. This is one of the few areas in the United States where this species is known to breed. Most of its breeding range is in Canada.
If there are not many birds moving, try a Common Screech-owl imitation or tape. You may be surrounded by complaining birds in a matter of minutes. Remember to watch the lake for Common Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, and Common Goldeneye, all of which nest in the area.
After finishing the park, return to the main road and continue to the left around the lake. After 2.1 miles turn left (east) on Highway East 43 toward the Peace Gardens. Go 4.4 miles; turn right at the sign pointing to Pelican-Sandy Lakes Primitive Recreation Area. This road goes into the forest for 1.0 mile to an undeveloped area with primitive campsites. There is plenty of suitable habitat, so you should be able to find most of the birds that you found at the park, or any you missed. In summer this area will probably be less crowded, as well.
Lake Metigoshe State Park
Willow Lake National Wildlife Refuge is often productive. To reach it continue east on Highway East 43 from the turn-off to Pelican-Sandy Lakes Primitive Recreation Area. After 3.1 miles you will cross the Rolette County line, which is marked. Go another mile, and turn right (south). The lake is 1.6 miles ahead on the left. The main attraction is the colony of Double-crested Cormorants. However, watch for Common Loon, grebes, American White Pelican (visitor), Great Blue Heron, and several species of waterfowl.
After checking the lake, backtrack to Highway 43 and head east for about 13 miles to the Wakopa State Game Management Area. (It may also be reached by going 0.5 mile north and 8 miles west from the town of St. John.)
WAKOPA STATE GAME MANAGEMENT AREA
This area is relatively undisturbed, and the birding is great. There are even walking trails. All of the birds common to the Turtle Mountains can be found, and this just might be the best place to look for them.
As is the case across the rest of the state, the Turtle Mountains do not offer a great diversity of winter birds. There are, however, some interesting possibilities. The large amount of well-wooded habitat combined with a geographic position on the Canada border makes the mountains a definite attraction to several rare but exciting northern birds such as Hawk, Great Gray, Boreal, and Saw-whet Owls; Northern Raven; Gray Jay; Boreal Chickadee (accidental); and White-winged Crossbill. Although the chances of finding any of these birds on any given day are slim, the potential is there. Some may be more regular than is currently thought, because not enough people bird this area in winter.
Some of the more regular winter visitors and residents here include Ruffed and Sharp-tailed Grouse; Gray Partridge; Mourning Dove; Great Horned, Snowy, Long-eared, and Short-eared Owls; Common Flicker; Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers; Horned Lark; Blue Jay; Black-billed Magpie; Black-capped Chickadee; White-breasted and Red-breasted Nuthatches; Brown Creeper; Cedar and Bohemian Waxwings; European Starling; House Sparrow; Evening and Pine Grosbeaks; Purple Finch; Pine Siskin; American Goldfinch; Common and Hoary Redpolls; Red Crossbill; and Snow Bunting. Of course, you will be doing well to find half of these species on any given trip, because many of them are decidedly cyclic in their wanderings.
Just as there is no one spot to go in the Turtle Mountains to find all of the summer residents, there is no one place to be recommended for winter. Both Lake Metigoshe State Park and Pelican-Sandy Lakes Primitive Recreation Area are good if road conditions allow entry. Usually, you will come out ahead by following the plowed roads and the good habitat.
Rush Lake, a large marsh encompassing several thousand acres, is ideal for viewing waterfowl, shorebirds, and marsh species. To reach it drive 4.0 miles west from Wales to a point surrounded by marshy inlets and water-filled ditches. You can drive as far as road conditions permit.
Although there is little open water, you should have excellent birding from spring through fall. Some of the birds to watch for are Pied-billed and Eared Grebes; all of the ducks common to the state; Great Blue Heron; Black-crowned Night Heron; American Bittern; Green Heron; Sora; Virginia Rail; American Coot; Killdeer; Semipalmated, Lesser Golden, and Black-bellied Plovers; Ruddy Turnstone; Common Snipe; Willet; Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs; Short-billed and Long-billed Dowitchers; Spotted, Solitary, Stilt, Pectoral, White-rumped, Baird’s, Least, Semipalmated, and Western (rare) Sandpipers; Dunlin; Sanderling; Marbled and Hudsonian Godwits; American Avocet; Wilson’s and Northern Phalaropes; Ring-billed and Franklin’s Gulls; Forster’s, Common, and Black Terns; all of the state’s swallows; Marsh and Sedge Wrens; Common Yellowthroat; Yellow-headed and Red-winged Blackbirds; and Le Conte’s and Sharp-tailed Sparrows. Most of the shorebirds appear only as transients, even though many may be seen throughout the summer.
The northeast sector contains many well-wooded areas. The Turtle Mountains probably represent the best of these in terms of birdlife; however, a similar avifauna can be found in the Pembina Hills, which lie predominantly in eastern Cavalier County and western Pembina County. The major habitat is upland, deciduous forest, with bur oak, American elm, quaking aspen, birch, and box elder being some of the predominant trees. Birding the Pembina Hills is like birding the Turtle Mountains. It is hard to pick out specific spots because there is so much good habitat.
Most of the birds occurring in the Pembina Hills can also be found in the deltaic sand area in western Pembina County (situated between the Pembina and Tongue Rivers). There are many excellent sites.
For the sake of convenience, although not technically correct, all statements concerning the Pembina Hills made in the following Specialties Section refer to the area in general including the deltaic sand area.
The best spot for finding species typical of the Pembina Hills is the Tongue River Game Management Area. To reach it start at the western of the two intersections of State Highways 5 and 32, and head north on Highway 32. Turn right (4.0 miles) and continue east to the area. After 2.5 miles you will enter the heavily forested zone. The crisscrossing auto trails allow good access.
This is a fantastic place. You may even find some Moose, which have moved into this area in the past few years. Some of the summer residents 71 are Cooper’s, Red-tailed, and Broad-winged Hawks; Ruffed Grouse; Black-billed Cuckoo; Great Horned Owl; Ruby-throated Hummingbird; Belted Kingfisher (along the river); Common Flicker; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker; Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers; Great Crested, Willow, and Least Flycatchers; Eastern Pewee; Blue Jay; American Crow; Black-capped Chickadee; White-breasted Nuthatch; House Wren; Gray Catbird; Brown Thrasher; American Robin; Veery; Cedar Waxwing; Yellow-throated, Red-eyed, and Warbling Vireos; Black-and-white, Yellow, and Mourning Warblers; Ovenbird; Northern Waterthrush; American Redstart; Northern Oriole; Scarlet Tanager; Rose-breasted Grosbeak; Indigo Bunting; American Goldfinch; Rufous-sided Towhee; and Chipping and Song Sparrows.
In addition to the nesting species, this area attracts a number of migrants. All species listed for the wooded areas of J. Clark Salyer may also be found here. However, several of the eastern warblers (such as the Magnolia, Cape May, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Chestnut-sided, and Connecticut) may be easier to find at Tongue River.
Another good locale is the Gunlogson Arboretum. To reach it start at the western edge of Cavalier, go west on State Highway 5 for 5.4 miles, and turn right. The arboretum contains several diverse plant and animal communities. Most are crossed by the nature trail that leads to a small marshy area, several small springs, and a portion of the Tongue River. All of this is surrounded by an impressive array of trees that include willows, ironwood, alder, elm, oak, ash, and basswood and a lush understory of ferns, grapevines, and wildflowers.
From the standpoint of habitat and fewer people, the birding is usually better at the arboretum, but Icelandic State Park is good for migrants. To reach it continue west on Highway 5 for 0.4 mile and turn right (north) at the sign.
The Pembina Hills are good also for all of the regular winter species plus an occasional northern stray such as Northern Raven; Hawk, Great Gray, Boreal, and Saw-whet Owls; Northern Shrike; and Gray Jay. Many of the roads are closed in winter. Care should be exercised when driving-conditions are not known.
Gunlogson Arboretum
Although the northeastern sector is loaded with marshlands, there are not many along the highly agricultural Red River Valley, which has been extensively cleared of forests and drained. A few good spots remain. One is Lake Ardoch, which can be reached by starting at U.S. Highway 81 on the northern edge of Minto and going east on County Road #15 toward Warsaw. After 3.4 miles turn right (south) on a gravel road. (It may not be passable in wet weather.) After 3.8 miles you will see the lake on the right.
Check for grebes, herons, and waterfowl. Walk the marshy areas on the left for Marsh and Sedge Wrens, and Le Conte’s Sparrow. Continue straight for another 2.2 miles and turn right on the paved road. In 0.2 mile a marshy inlet from the lake is on both sides of the road. Check here for migrant shorebirds. Continue for 1.8 miles to the junction with Highway 81, just north of the town of Ardoch.
PRAIRIE CHICKEN AREAS
There are only a few remnant populations of Greater Prairie Chickens left in North Dakota. Luckily, the State Fish and Game Department has managed to buy up most of the areas still frequented by them. Two spots are in Grand Forks County. Start at the northern side of Manvel (north of Grand Forks on U.S. Highway 81) and go west on County Road #33. To reach area number one, go 9.0 miles on County Road #33 and turn left (south). For the next 3.0 miles you will be crossing suitable sections of long-grass prairie. To find area number two, backtrack to County Road #33, cross the road, and go 5.0 miles north. Turn right and for the next 4 miles watch for the chickens. (This whole area should be marked by Game Management Area signs.) Dawn is the best time, although you may luck out and find them in the late afternoon just before sundown. Watch also for Sharp-tailed Grouse and Upland Sandpiper.
KELLY’S SLOUGH
A good spot for grasslands birds is Kelly’s Pasture, a small prairie area west of Grand Forks. To get there start at the underpass of I-29, go west on Highway 2 for 5.7 miles, and turn left (south). Drive 4.0 miles and pull over to the right. There should be parallel fence rows (several yards apart) running to the west. Park and walk between the fence lines. Watch in this grassy area for Sedge Wren and Grasshopper, Le Conte’s, and Clay-colored Sparrows. After about 6.0 mile the fences will stop at a large grassy field. To your left (south) there should be a small stockpond surrounded by reeds. Check the edges for Marsh and Sedge Wrens and Le Conte’s Sparrow. Be careful at all times not to cross any fence lines on the left (south) side of the trail, because all are posted.
After checking the stockpond, walk north across the open field, watching for Sharp-tailed Grouse, Upland Sandpiper, Western Meadowlark, Grasshopper and Clay-colored Sparrows, and Chestnut-collared Longspur. At dawn check any rises in the field for dancing grouse. During late summer and early fall look for Sprague’s Pipit. This species is rare here but occasionally passes through after breeding. At the north end of this field is a large stock pen. This marks the end of the area which can be walked.
Return to your car, drive 1.0 mile south, and turn left (east). For the next few miles, check all of the grassy/brushy fields for Sharp-tailed Grouse and Gray Partridge. The partridge may be seen almost anywhere, 75 but the grouse is restricted to a few overgrown fields. Some fields have sunflowers, which may attract a number of winter birds (basically goldfinches, siskins, redpolls, and Northern Shrike).
There are several great spots near Grand Forks. The best is Kelly’s Slough. To get to it proceed to the underpass of I-29, go west on Highway 2 for 7.8 miles, and turn right (north). After 3.3 miles stop on the hill overlooking the slough.
This is a fantastic place for migrant waterfowl, waders, and shorebirds. Some of the migrants include Common (occasional) and Red-throated (accidental) Loons; Red-necked (uncommon), Horned, Eared, and Western Grebes; American White Pelican; Double-crested Cormorant; Great Egret (rare); Whistling Swan; Canada, Greater White-fronted, and Snow Geese; Common, Red-breasted (rare), and Hooded (rare) Mergansers; White-winged Scoter (rare); Redhead; Canvasback; Ring-necked Duck; Lesser and Greater (rare) Scaup; Common Goldeneye; Bufflehead; Oldsquaw (rare); Mallard; American Black Duck (rare); Gadwall; American Wigeon; Common Pintail; Green-winged and Blue-winged Teals; Northern Shoveler; Wood Duck; Semipalmated, Black-bellied, and Lesser Golden Plovers; Ruddy Turnstone; Common Snipe; Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs; Solitary, Pectoral, White-rumped, Baird’s, Least, Stilt, and Semipalmated Sandpipers; Dunlin; Short-billed and Long-billed Dowitchers; Hudsonian Godwit; Sanderling; Northern Phalarope; and Herring (uncommon) and Bonaparte’s (rare) Gulls.
Summer residents are much fewer, but many of the transient species are present from mid-summer on. Birds found throughout the summer include Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, American Bittern, Ruddy Duck, Sora, American Coot, American Avocet, Spotted Sandpiper, Willet, Marbled Godwit, Wilson’s Phalarope, Franklin’s and Ring-billed Gulls, Black Tern, Marsh and Sedge Wrens, Red-winged and Yellow-headed Blackbirds, and Le Conte’s Sparrow.
For best results bird the slough on both the east and west sides of the road. The area to the east is better for rails, Marsh and Sedge Wrens, and Le Conte’s Sparrows, because there is more emergent vegetation. In fact, the grassy perimeter to the east end of the slough is full of Marsh Wrens and Le Conte’s Sparrows. You may have to wade a bit to get good views, but the water is only a few inches deep throughout most of this grassy area. A walk along the railroad tracks north of the slough may turn up Gray Partridge, Upland Sandpiper, and Chestnut-collared Longspur. In fall watch for Lapland Longspurs along the tracks and over the slough.
Continue north for 1.7 miles and turn right (east). During migration check for Common Snipe and rails in the ditches on the right. Watch for Chestnut-collared Longspurs as well. Drive 1.0 mile and turn right again. Mountain Bluebirds have been found during spring (March 20-30) around the farm area. Also check the surrounding fields in spring and fall for Ruddy Turnstones and Buff-breasted Sandpipers. After 0.7 mile the east 76 end of Kelly’s Slough is on the right. At 1.8 miles you may drive west through the cluster of buildings at Kelly and check the nearby fields for Black-bellied and Lesser Golden Plovers (migration only). To continue the tour, turn left (east) at 0.2 mile past Kelly.
Drive east for 2.0 miles to an old, white, country school-house. During migration check the fields south of the intersection for Marbled and Hudsonian Godwits. Continue straight east for another mile before turning left (north). After 0.6 mile pull over to the left. Walk to the northwest (45° to the left of the road ahead). There is a Sharp-tailed Grouse dancing ground about 300 yards out. According to Frank Kelley, there is a reasonably good chance of the grouse being on or near the grounds at daybreak. At other times they may be anywhere within a two-mile radius. Sprague’s Pipits and Chestnut-collared Longspurs nest in the same area.
Return south, the same way you came in, and turn left (east). Check any areas with tall grass in the next few miles for Sedge Wrens and Le Conte’s Sparrows. After 2.0 miles turn right (south). In spring check fields to the north and east of the intersection for Ruddy Turnstones and Buff-breasted Sandpipers. After 0.5 mile, stop at the first of three entrances to the sewage lagoons. As many as twenty species of shorebirds can often be seen from the gate. The greatest concentrations occur in mid-August. In migration large numbers of grebes, ducks, and gulls use the ponds. Look for the rarer ducks or shorebirds. Check nearby plowed fields for Lesser Golden Plover (in migration), Buff-breasted Sandpiper (migration), and Upland Sandpiper (anytime from spring through fall). For different views stop at the other two gates. Continue for 5.0 miles and turn left (east) onto Highway 2 to return to Grand Forks.
A good place for woodland birds is Turtle River State Park, one mile north of Arvilla or about 18 miles west of Grand Forks along Highway 2. The entrance is well marked. This whole area was once covered by glacial Lake Agassiz. As the lake lowered, the shoreline remained stable for some time, allowing the wave action to form a prominent beach ridge along what is now the eastern edge of the park. Here Baird’s Sparrows occasionally are found in the grassy fields.
Summer residents are Sharp-shinned (rare), Cooper’s (rare), Red-tailed, and Broad-winged Hawks; Spotted Sandpiper; Black-billed Cuckoo; Common Screech and Great Horned Owls; Common Nighthawk; Ruby-throated Hummingbird; Belted Kingfisher; Common Flicker; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker; Red-headed, Hairy, and Downy Woodpeckers; Great Crested, Willow, and Least Flycatchers; Eastern Pewee; Blue Jay; American Crow; Black-capped Chickadee; White-breasted Nuthatch; House Wren; Gray Catbird; Brown Thrasher; American Robin; Cedar Waxwing; Yellow-throated, Red-eyed, and Warbling Vireos; Yellow Warbler; Northern Oriole; Common Grackle; Scarlet Tanager; Rose-breasted Grosbeak; Indigo Bunting; American Goldfinch; and Chipping, Clay-colored, and Song Sparrows.
Winter visitors include Northern Goshawk (rare), Barred Owl (rare), Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Bohemian Waxwing, Rusty Blackbird, Evening and Pine Grosbeaks, Purple Finch, Red and White-winged (rare) Crossbills, Northern Junco, and American Tree, Harris’ (rare), and White-throated (rare) Sparrows. Other winter species which may be seen in the open areas surrounding the park are Sharp-tailed Grouse, Gray Partridge, Mourning Dove, Snowy and Short-eared Owls, Horned Lark, Black-billed Magpie, Western Meadowlark, Common and Hoary (rare) Redpolls, Lapland Longspur, and Snow Bunting.
The park is at its best in spring when the trees are dripping with migrant warblers and other passerines, such as Olive-sided Flycatcher; Hermit, Swainson’s, and Gray-cheeked Thrushes; Veery; Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets; Yellow-throated, Solitary, and Philadelphia Vireos; Black-and-white, Tennessee, Orange-crowned, Nashville, Magnolia, Cape May, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Chestnut-sided, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, Palm, Connecticut, Mourning, Wilson’s, and Canada Warblers; Ovenbird; Northern Waterthrush; American Redstart; Rufous-sided Towhee; and Harris’, White-crowned, White-throated, Fox, Lincoln’s, and Swamp Sparrows. All of these species occur in similar habitat throughout the area (especially along the Red River in Grand Forks).
NELSON COUNTY
Two excellent spots for water and marsh species are Rose Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Stump Lake National Wildlife Refuge. To reach them proceed south from Lakota on State Highway 1 for 2.1 miles and turn right (west) on a gravel road. Go 5.0 miles and turn left (south). Then turn right (west) at 1.0 mile. After 0.8 mile you will reach a marshy inlet of Rose Lake.
The shallow marsh can be productive in migration and late summer for shorebirds. In the drier fields watch for Bobolink and Grasshopper Sparrow. The wetter edges are good for Marsh and Sedge Wrens, Common Yellowthroat, and Savannah, Le Conte’s, and sometimes Sharp-tailed Sparrows. The lake attracts migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls, and terns.
Continue west for 0.3 mile to another marshy area with the same birds. After 0.8 mile turn left (south) on Nelson County Road #23. Go south for 8.0 miles and turn left (east). Follow the main road as it swings north (3.0 miles) and then east (1.0 mile). After another mile turn left (north). In 1.5 miles you will see Stump Lake on both sides of the road.
This large lake has little vegetation around the perimeter, so few ducks or marsh species actually nest, but some use the area from spring through fall. You may expect lots of grebes (especially Western), American White Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorants, and Ring-billed and Franklin’s Gulls. Occasionally, a Bonaparte’s will put in a late-summer appearance, and in migration watch for White-winged Scoter and Oldsquaw. In spring and from mid-July through early October, the shorelines may be covered with shorebirds. It is a consistent place to find Sanderlings. Piping Plovers may nest.
Continue on to Highway 1 (3.0 miles). Turn south and go 1.7 miles before turning right on the road to the recreation area. After 1.3 miles swing right and continue to Stump Lake Park, a well-wooded area that is ideal for transient passerines and nesting woodland species.
A rewarding place to look for migrant and nesting woodland birds is Sully’s Hill National Game Preserve. To reach it start in the town of Devils Lake, go south from Highway 2 on Highway 20/57 for 12.0 miles, and turn left at the sign. After 0.6 mile turn left. Go 0.5 mile and turn left again. In 0.2 mile you will cross the cattleguard into the preserve, an area of rolling hills and uplands habitat. Ask at the headquarters for a list of the birds. You may either hike the nature trail (1.2 miles), drive the auto trail (4.5 miles), or do both.
The nature trail winds through excellent deciduous-forest habitat that is good for most of the birds listed under Turtle River State Park. The birds here go crazy when a tape-recording of a Common Screech-owl is played, which is a reliable indication that one of these little owls is in residence. The auto trail goes through a large enclosure, where Bison, Elk, and White-tailed Deer are allowed to roam freely. Because most of the tour traverses uplands and dry-land forests, you probably will not see many birds. Western Grebes, American White Pelicans, and Double-crested Cormorants can be seen anywhere near Devils Lake itself.
One of the best spots for migrant and nesting waterbirds is Lac Aux Mortes National Wildlife Refuge (also known as Lake Alice N.W.R.). To reach it go northwest on U.S. Highway 1 from Devils Lake. After about 13 miles turn right (north) on the road to Penn. Follow this gravel road through town and past Lake Alice. The road is chained off after 9.2 miles. The last few passable miles pass directly between Lake Alice and Chain Lake; you will have water on both sides of the road.
All of the grebes and waterfowl common to this half of the state can be observed in large numbers. In spring Snow Goose numbers may exceed 200,000. American White Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants use the lake throughout the summer, and there are large nesting colonies of Black-crowned Night Herons and Franklin’s Gulls. Great Blue Herons and American Bitterns are commonly seen, and Great and Cattle Egrets have been showing up in late summer for the past several years. The lake also attracts all of the regular shorebirds, gulls, terns, swallows, and blackbirds. Check the wet, grassy borders of the road for Marsh and Sedge Wrens and for Le Conte’s and Sharp-tailed Sparrows.
Listed below are some of the species found in North Dakota that may be of particular interest to visiting birders. Some may be eastern birds of interest to western birders. Others may be western birds of interest to eastern birders. The purpose of the list is to aid finding each species. Therefore, information is given on abundance, distribution, habitat, and, where possible, on specific locations where each species may be found.
Common Loon—Uncommon summer resident on permanent, freshwater lakes in the Turtle Mountains (Bottineau and Rolette Counties). Try Lake Metigoshe and Sandy Lake. This species is a rare migrant on large ponds and lakes throughout the rest of the state.
Black-crowned Night Heron
Red-necked Grebe—Uncommon summer resident of larger ponds and lakes in the northern portion. Most common in the Turtle Mountains and on J. Clark Salyer Refuge. Also seen with some frequency on Des Lacs (try the Old Lake Road) and Upper Souris Refuges. Rare breeder and uncommon to rare migrant over the rest of the state.
Horned Grebe—Fairly common summer resident on ponds and lakes in the northwest, northeast, and southeast sectors. This species does not nest in large colonies as do the Western and Eared Grebes; hence, it may be harder to find. However, it should be fairly easy to see at places such as Des Lacs, Upper Souris, J. Clark Salyer, Lostwood, Long Lake, and Arrowwood Refuges.
Eared Grebe—Common summer resident on seasonal and permanent ponds and lakes over much of the state. Often nests in large colonies. Hard to miss at such places as Long Lake, Hobart Lake, Arrowwood, Audubon, Des Lacs, Lostwood, Upper Souris, J. Clark Salyer, and Stump Lake Refuges.
Western Grebe—Conspicuous and easy-to-find summer resident on scattered lakes and permanent ponds throughout the northwest, northeast, and southeast sectors. Usually nests in large colonies, and prefers areas with lots of open water. Look for it on Devils Lake and on Des Lacs, Lostwood, Upper Souris, J. Clark Salyer, Arrowwood, Lake Alice, Long Lake, Alkaline Lake, Stump Lake, and Tewaukon Refuges.
American White Pelican—Hard-to-miss summer resident over most of the state. Apparently, the only known breeding colony is on Chase Lake, where there are about 4,000 pairs nesting. Individuals from this colony (and many others which nest in neighboring states) range far and wide all summer. Should be easy to find at Des Lacs, Lostwood, Upper Souris, J. Clark Salyer, Audubon, Arrowwood, Long Lake, Lake Ilo, Bowman-Haley, and Tewaukon Refuges, as well as at Beaver Lake and Baldhill Dam (Lake Ashtabula).
Whistling Swan—Fairly common spring and fall migrant throughout. It can be found on almost any large marsh or lake, including places like Des Lacs, Upper Souris, Lostwood, J. Clark Salyer, Audubon, Arrowwood, Long Lake, and Tewaukon Refuges. The best spot is Hobart Lake, where there are usually hundreds present for several weeks in fall.
Greater White-fronted Goose—Fairly common migrant throughout the western half; uncommon in the eastern half. Found on marshlands or grainfields with congregations of Canada and Snow Geese.
Cinnamon Teal—Rare spring-through-April visitor and probable breeder in marshlands throughout the central and western parts. Occasionally seen in the southeast corner (Tewaukon).
Wood Duck—Fairly common summer resident of wooded streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes through the eastern half. Uncommon in the western 82 half at places like Des Lacs, Upper Souris, and Audubon Refuges—except along the Missouri River below Bismarck, where it is fairly common. Should be easy to find along the Wild Rice and Red (especially at Fargo) Rivers, along the Sheyenne River below Baldhill Dam, and at Arrowwood and J. Clark Salyer Refuges.
White-winged Scoter—Rare migrant on lakes and sewage ponds throughout. Occasionally nests on lakes in the Turtle Mountains and at Des Lacs Refuge.
Hooded Merganser—Rare migrant on water areas throughout. Fairly common summer resident along the woodland-bordered stretch of the Souris River in Bottineau and McHenry Counties (particularly on J. Clark Salyer Refuge). Uncommon to rare breeder at Arrowwood Refuge.
Northern Goshawk—Rare winter visitor/resident and migrant in wooded areas throughout. Some possible areas include the river bottoms of the James, Red, and Sheyenne Rivers in the southeast; Turtle River Park, the Pembina Hills, the Turtle Mountains, the Souris River bottomlands in J. Clark Salyer Refuge, and the forest surrounding Devils Lake in the northeast; and the Missouri and Little Missouri bottomlands and the wooded hills of the badlands in the western half. The Turtle Mountains are probably your best bet.
Broad-winged Hawk—Uncommon to fairly common summer resident of mature, deciduous forests in the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills. Rare breeder in other areas with similar habitat in the eastern half. Uncommon migrant through wooded areas of the western half.
Swainson’s Hawk—Common summer resident of prairies and agricultural areas throughout the western three-fourths of the state. Uncommon to rare in the eastern one-fourth. Easy to find.
Rough-legged Hawk—Uncommon to fairly common migrant and winter visitor/resident, in prairies and agricultural areas throughout. Most often seen in November.
Ferruginous Hawk—Fairly common summer resident of open prairies throughout the western and southeast-central portions. Not hard to find. Many people confuse this species with juvenile or light-phase Red-tails. The best mark for separating the two is probably the large, white windows on the upper side of the Ferruginous’ wings. Also, when soaring, the Ferruginous flies with a dihedral (not as pronounced as with the Swainson’s), as opposed to the more flat-winged pattern of the Red-tailed.
Golden Eagle—Uncommon to fairly common permanent resident of the badlands along the Little Missouri River. Uncommon to rare winter visitor throughout. The best areas are the north and south units of the Roosevelt Memorial (including prairies in between) and on the sage-grasslands of Slope and Bowman Counties. The road going south from Marmarth can be especially good. In winter also check Lake Sakakawea, the Missouri River south of Bismarck, and Audubon Refuge.
Bald Eagle—Rare migrant and winter visitor throughout. A pair nested along the Missouri River (McLean County) in 1975, for the first nesting record in several years. In winter it may be found on almost any of the refuges (most likely Audubon), Lake Sakakawea, or along the Missouri River.
Prairie Falcon—Uncommon to rare resident of prairies and badlands in the western quarter. Rare visitor elsewhere. The best areas are the north and south units of the Roosevelt Memorial and Little Missouri and Sully’s Creek State Parks.
Ruffed Grouse—Fairly common to uncommon permanent resident of the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills. Can be found almost anywhere in mature deciduous forests throughout these areas. Try the nature trail at Lake Metigoshe State Park, the forest surrounding the Pelican-Sandy Lakes Primitive Recreation Area, the Wakopa and Tongue River Game Management Areas, and the Gunlogson Arboretum.
Greater Prairie Chicken—Rare permanent resident of remnant tracts of tall-grass prairie in Grand Forks, Ransom, and Richland Counties. The booming grounds in Ransom and Richland are on the Sheyenne National Grasslands. However, many of these spots are hard to find and hard to get to because of poor roads. Your best bet is on either of the two game management areas near Manvel in Grand Forks County.
Sharp-tailed Grouse—Common permanent resident over the western half. Fairly common in the central portion, and uncommon to rare across the eastern quarter. Found mostly in mixed-grass prairies and abandoned farm fields. Should be easy to find on the grasslands and sagebrush flats of both units of the Roosevelt Memorial, on the roads going south from Marmarth and Rhame, in the sandhills of Ransom and Richland Counties, in weedy fields along the Missouri River south of Bismarck, and on Des Lacs, Lostwood, J. Clark Salyer, Audubon, Long Lake, and Arrowwood Refuges.
Sage Grouse—Uncommon to fairly common resident of sagebrush prairies in Bowman, Slope, Billings, and Golden Valley Counties. Most common in the western halves of Slope and Bowman Counties. Try the roads going south from Marmarth and Rhame, and the road going north from Marmarth to Amidon. Activity on the dancing grounds usually reaches its peak in April.
Ring-necked Pheasant—Generally uncommon to fairly common resident over most of the state. Prefers weedy fields and ditches, shelterbelts, dry sloughs, and brushy edges of wooded river bottoms. Look for it in Barnes, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, and Dickey Counties; in the sandhills on J. Clark Salyer Refuge; around Lake Ilo; along the Missouri River bottoms near Bismarck; and in the Little Missouri bottomlands of the Roosevelt Memorial.
Gray Partridge—Fairly common resident over most of the state, becoming less common in the northeast. Utilizes much the same habitat as the Ring-necked Pheasant, but is more often found in open prairie areas. Fairly easy to find, particularly in winter when it is often found in the open along the roads.
Wild Turkey—Has been introduced in many areas. Has taken hold in the wooded river bottoms of the Missouri and Sheyenne (locally—around Valley City) Rivers, and in the Little Missouri badlands, where it occupies an upland coniferous-forest habitat. In these areas it is a fairly common to uncommon resident.
Whooping Crane—Rare migrant on its way to and from the nesting grounds in Canada. At those times it may be seen on almost any of the refuges in the western and central portions.
Sandhill Crane—Common migrant throughout the western half; uncommon to rare through much of the eastern half. During migration, may be found in large concentrations on refuges, in grain fields, or simply flying through the air in long skeins.
Yellow Rail—Rare and local summer resident of spring-fed sedge fields in the northern (mostly north-central) portion. Scattered colonies have been reported in recent years from McLean, Mountrail, Bottineau, and Benson Counties. Because of its accessibility, J. Clark Salyer Refuge may offer your best chance of finding it. Check appropriate habitat along the scenic tour.
Piping Plover—Uncommon summer resident of selected alkaline ponds and lakes, and occasionally of freshwater lakes, rivers, and impoundments with open sandy or gravel shores. Watch especially on sandbars along the Missouri River at Bismarck, and on the alkaline lakes and potholes of Lostwood Refuge. Other areas include Long Lake Refuge, J. Clark Salyer Refuge, and the shores of Devils Lake, Stump Lake, and Alkaline Lake.
Lesser Golden Plover—Fairly common migrant throughout, except in the southwest sector where it is uncommon to rare. In fall found in large numbers at places such as Stump Lake, Alkaline Lake, Kelly’s Slough, and the sewage ponds in Fargo, West Fargo, and Grand Forks. Numbers peak in September and October. In spring (mostly mid-April) seems to prefer flooded fields (and even some that are not flooded).
Ruddy Turnstone—Uncommon migrant in the eastern half; rare migrant throughout the western half. Frequently seen on plowed fields (especially flooded ones), and on artificial water impoundments such as sewage ponds, flood-control ponds, and fish-removal ponds. Look for it in Cass and Grand Forks Counties; at the Grand Forks, Fargo, and West Fargo sewage ponds; at Kelly’s Slough; Rush, Alkaline, and Stump Lakes; J. Clark Salyer Refuge; and at the fish hatchery in Valley City.
Long-billed Curlew—An uncommon to rare summer resident of scrub-prairie and short-grass areas in the extreme southwest corner. Most likely in Bowman and Slope Counties. Try the roads going south from Marmarth and Rhame, and the road going north from Marmarth to Amidon.
Upland Sandpiper—Fairly common summer resident of prairie grasslands and wet meadows throughout. Often seen sitting on fence posts in spring. Look for it at Bowman-Haley, Stewart Lake, Lake Ilo, Lostwood, Des Lacs, Upper Souris, J. Clark Salyer, Audubon, Long Lake, Arrowwood, and Tewaukon Refuges; in the Sheyenne Grasslands of Ransom and Richland Counties; and around Kelly’s Slough and the prairie-chicken areas in Grand Forks County. Should be easy to find.
Willet—Fairly common summer resident of prairie potholes, marshes, and lakes throughout. Easy to find at places such as Bowman-Haley, Lake Ilo, Lostwood, Des Lacs, Upper Souris, J. Clark Salyer, Audubon, Long Lake, Arrowwood, Lake Alice, and Tewaukon Refuges; Kelly’s Slough; Rush Lake; Alkaline Lake; and the marshes around Burnstad.
Red Knot—Very rare migrant through the eastern half. Look for it at Tewaukon, Kelly’s Slough, and the sewage ponds at Grand Forks, Fargo, and West Fargo.
White-rumped Sandpiper—Uncommon migrant to water areas throughout. Look for it at Rush Lake, Kelly’s Slough, Stump Lake, Alkaline Lake, Hobart Lake, the sewage ponds at Grand Forks, Fargo, and West Fargo; and on marshes on Long Lake, Des Lacs, Upper Souris, Lostwood, J. Clark Salyer, Audubon, and Arrowwood Refuges.
Baird’s Sandpiper—Fairly common to uncommon migrant to water areas and flooded fields throughout. Can be found at all of the areas listed for the White-rumped Sandpiper.
Dunlin—Uncommon migrant throughout the eastern half; rare in the west. Found on flooded fields as well as on ponds, lake shores, marshes, and sewage ponds. Check Rush, Stump, Hobart, and Alkaline Lakes; Lake Ardoch; Kelly’s Slough; the fish hatchery at Valley City; Tewaukon Refuge; and the sewage ponds at Grand Forks, Fargo, and West Fargo.
Western Sandpiper—Uncommon to rare migrant throughout. Usually associates with Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers, but seems to feed farther out from shore. Difficult to separate from Semipalmated except when in good spring plumage. Look for it on marshes, lake shores, and sewage ponds, or wherever you find other species of “peeps”.
Buff-breasted Sandpiper—Very rare migrant over most of the state; most regular in the northeast. Prefers grassy pastures and plowed fields. Your best bet is to check the farm areas of Grand Forks County.
Marbled Godwit—Fairly common summer resident of prairie wetlands throughout. Often seen on grasslands far removed from water (excluding an occasional stock pond) as at Longspur Pasture. Easy to find at places 86 such as Bowman-Haley, Lake Ilo, Lostwood, Des Lacs, Upper Souris, J. Clark Salyer, Audubon, Arrowwood, Long Lake, Slade, and Tewaukon Refuges; Kelly’s Slough; Alkaline Lake; the marshes around Burnstad; and on the Sheyenne Grasslands of Ransom and Richland Counties.
Hudsonian Godwit—Uncommon to rare migrant to pastures and water areas throughout (less common in the western half). Try Rush Lake, Lake Ardoch, Kelly’s Slough, Long Lake and Tewaukon Refuges, and the sewage ponds at Grand Forks, Fargo, and West Fargo.
American Avocet—Fairly common summer resident of alkaline lakes and ponds and shallow wetlands throughout (absent as a nesting species over much of the southwest). Also commonly seen during migration and throughout the summer on sewage ponds and other areas where it does not nest. Easy to find at Bowman-Haley, Lostwood, Des Lacs, Upper Souris, J. Clark Salyer, Audubon, Long Lake, Arrowwood, Stump Lake, and Tewaukon Refuges; Kelly’s Slough; Alkaline Lake; Rush Lake; Hobart Lake; and the North Fargo sewage ponds.
Wilson’s Phalarope—Common summer resident of prairie wetlands throughout. Almost impossible to miss, especially in late summer when it congregates in large numbers on certain water areas such as Hobart Lake, Kelly’s Slough, and the North Fargo sewage ponds. Look for it on almost any of the wildlife refuges, game management areas, and waterfowl production areas.
Northern Phalarope—Fairly common to uncommon migrant to wetlands, lakes, and sewage ponds throughout. Look for it in flocks of Wilson’s Phalarope. In the northwest (around Kenmare) it is more common and can often be seen in large numbers.
Migrant Shorebirds—In North Dakota the following species can be considered purely migratory (The species marked by asterisks may be expected in large numbers.): Semipalmated, Lesser Golden*, and Black-bellied* Plovers; Ruddy Turnstone; Greater and Lesser* Yellowlegs; Red Knot; Short-billed and Long-billed Dowitchers*; Dunlin; Solitary, Pectoral*, White-rumped, Baird’s, Least*, Western, Semipalmated*, Stilt*, and Buff-breasted Sandpipers; Sanderling; Hudsonian Godwit; and Northern Phalarope. Remember that some species which breed in one part of the state may occur only as migrants in other areas. Migrating shorebirds can be found almost anywhere where there is water. Preferred areas include sewage ponds, prairie wetlands, flooded fields in agricultural areas, impounded river areas, and shores of larger lakes. Some specific spots are Long Lake, Des Lacs, Upper Souris, Lostwood, J. Clark Salyer, and Stump Lake Refuges; Kelly’s Slough; Rush Lake; Alkaline Lake; Lake Ardoch; Hobart Lake; the river and settling ponds below Baldhill Dam; the ponds at the Valley City fish hatchery; and the sewage ponds at Fargo and Grand Forks. Shorebird migration is usually a continuous movement from late April through mid-October with peaks during the first two weeks in May and the entire month of August.
California Gull—Uncommon summer resident of scattered lakes (usually alkaline) throughout. Occurs over a larger portion of the state as a summer visitor. There are only a handful of known breeding colonies in the state. The best known is probably the one at Chase Lake. A more accessible colony is located near Westby (page 61). Bob Stewart lists these additional colonies: Stony Lake in Kidder County, East Devils Lake in Ramsey County, and Lake Williams in McLean County (Breeding Birds of North Dakota, 1975). Other areas are Bowman-Haley, Audubon, Lostwood, Des Lacs, Long Lake, and Arrowwood Refuges, and Alkaline Lake.
Franklin’s Gull—Common summer resident of extensive marshlands throughout the northern half and southeast quarter. Nesting colonies can be found on Devils Lake, Lake Alice, Stump Lake, marshlands in Sargent County, and on Long Lake, Upper Souris, and J. Clark Salyer Refuges. Non-nesting birds can be found almost anywhere that wetlands exist. In fall it moves south in large concentrations numbering in the tens of thousands.
Bonaparte’s Gull—Uncommon to rare migrant and post-nesting visitor to water areas throughout. Most likely in the southeast quarter. Usually occurs with flocks of Franklin’s Gulls. Try the sewage ponds at Fargo in late summer, or the marshlands in Sargent and Dickey Counties.
Common Tern—Uncommon and local summer resident of large lakes and river impoundments at scattered locations in the central and northwest portions. Look for it on Long Lake, Audubon, Des Lacs, Upper Souris, and J. Clark Salyer Refuges, and on various lakes in the Turtle Mountains.
The Forster’s Tern is more common. The two species can be separated by bill color (more reddish in Common, orange in Forster’s), tail color (white to gray in Common, gray to white in Forster’s—going from the inside or central tail-feathers out), and color of the primaries (darker in Common, very white in Forster’s). The latter is probably the best mark.
Little Tern—Uncommon summer resident of sandbars along the Missouri River near Bismarck. Some years no nesting occurs, because of flooding. To find this species keep checking exposed sandbars along the river in the Bismarck-Mandan vicinity. Try first from the ends of 12th and Washington Streets in Bismarck, or in the vicinity of the Girl Scout camp southwest of that city.
Black-billed Cuckoo—Uncommon to fairly common summer resident of woodland margins, shelterbelts, wood lots, prairie thickets, and wooded coulees throughout. Look for it at Tasker’s Coulee; Sully’s Creek Park; the south unit of the Roosevelt Memorial; the Missouri River floodplain near Bismarck; Upper Souris, Des Lacs, and J. Clark Salyer Refuges; Lake Metigoshe and Icelandic State Parks; the Gunlogson Arboretum; Wakopa and Tongue River Game Management Areas; Sully’s Hill Game Preserve; Turtle River Park; Stump Lake Park; and the bottomlands of the James and Sheyenne Rivers (Stutsman, Barnes, Ransom, and Richland Counties).
Snowy Owl—Uncommon and irregular winter visitor to open country throughout. A few of these large arctic wanderers are present every winter. However, in some winters it may be hard to find while in others it seems to be almost common. There are no specific spots. Just drive the back-country roads any time from December through March. A few can usually be found every winter in Cass County, often right along the roads.
Burrowing Owl—Uncommon summer resident of heavily-grazed prairie throughout the western three-fourths of the state. Look for it on Arrowwood, Long Lake, Audubon, Des Lacs, Upper Souris, Lostwood, J. Clark Salyer, Chase Lake, Lake Ilo, Bowman-Haley, and Stewart Lake Refuges; Salt Alkaline Lake; prairie-dog towns in both units of the Roosevelt Memorial; and south of Marmarth.
Barred Owl—Rare resident of Sheyenne River bottomlands in Ransom and Richland Counties. Occasionally recorded in winter elsewhere in the eastern half, particularly along the Red River.
Short-eared Owl—Uncommon and cyclic resident of grasslands, wet meadows, and fallow fields throughout. In some years fairly common, in others hard to find. An influx of migrants from the north sometimes appears in November. Look at Bowman-Haley, Lake Ilo, Des Lacs, Upper Souris, J. Clark Salyer, Arrowwood, Long Lake, and Tewaukon Refuges.
Saw-whet Owl—Rare winter visitor to conifer stands, alder thickets, and residential areas throughout the eastern half. May be an occasional summer resident in the Turtle Mountains, Pembina Hills, and on the south side of Devils Lake (Sully’s Hill Game Preserve).
Poor-will—Uncommon summer resident of brushy slopes and ravines in the badlands and pine forests of Slope County. Rare in the south unit of the Roosevelt Memorial. Listen for it near the Columnar Juniper Area.
Chimney Swift—Uncommon to fairly common summer resident of towns and cities throughout. More common in the eastern half. Look for it in Fargo, Grand Forks, Devils Lake, Wahpeton, Valley City, Jamestown, Bismarck-Mandan, Minot, Dickinson, and Williston. Should be fairly easy to find in most towns and cities along the Red and Sheyenne Rivers.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird—Uncommon summer resident of deciduous-woods margins in the Turtle Mountains, Pembina Hills, south side of Devils Lake, and along the Souris (J. Clark Salyer), James (Jamestown), and Sheyenne (Valley City to Baldhill Dam) Rivers. Occurs elsewhere throughout the central and eastern portions as an uncommon to fairly common migrant.
Common Flicker—Common summer resident (a few winter) of open woodlands throughout. Both races are found, and many interesting and confusing hybrids occur. The predominant race is the Yellow-shafted. The Red-shafted race occurs throughout the western half, but is common only in the Little Missouri badlands.
Pileated Woodpecker—Uncommon to rare resident of mature woodlands along the Red River in Cass County (and possibly in Grand Forks) and along the Sheyenne River in Ransom and Richland Counties. More common along the Red River at Fargo in winter.
Red-headed Woodpecker—Fairly common to uncommon summer resident of open woodlands and agricultural areas (shelter belts, orchards, farmyards, etc.) throughout (range in the northwest is limited). Look for it in Lindenwood Park (Fargo), the Sibley Island area in Bismarck, Sully’s Creek Park, the Pembina Hills, Turtle River Park, and in the bottomlands of the James, Red, and Sheyenne Rivers.
Eastern Kingbird—Common summer resident of open areas throughout. Nests in hedgerows, shelterbelts, woodlots, farmyards, prairie thickets, and along the edges of extensive woodlands. Commonly seen perched on barbed-wire fences along the highways. Hard to miss.
Western Kingbird—Common summer resident throughout. Can be found in much the same habitat as the Eastern. However, the Western is often found in more wooded areas such as open bottomland forests and residential areas. Even then it is still basically an edge-habitat species. Hard to miss.
Great Crested Flycatcher—Fairly common summer resident of mature deciduous forests throughout the eastern half. Uncommon to rare in the bottomland forests of the Missouri River near Bismarck-Mandan. Look for it in places such as J. Clark Salyer Refuge (uncommon), throughout the Turtle Mountain and Pembina Hills, Turtle River Park, Sully’s Hill Game Preserve, Stump Lake Park, Little Yellowstone Park, and in the bottomland forests of the James (Stutsman County), Sheyenne (Barnes, Ransom, and Richland Counties), and Red (try especially at Lindenwood and Oak Grove Parks in Fargo) Rivers.
Say’s Phoebe—Uncommon summer resident of badlands, sharply eroded buttes, and agricultural areas throughout the western half. Rare east of J. Clark Salyer Refuge. Prefers badlands-type habitat, but also nests under the eaves of farm buildings and under small bridges. Look for it in either unit of the Roosevelt Memorial, at Little Missouri and Sully’s Creek Parks, along the roads going south from Marmarth and Rhame in Bowman County, along Highway 1806 in the badlands area south of Mandan (Morton County), and near Kenmare.
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher—Rare migrant in wooded areas throughout the eastern half. Try the Turtle Mountains, Pembina Hills, Turtle River State Park, Sully’s Hill Game Preserve, and Lindenwood and Oak Grove Parks.
Willow Flycatcher—Fairly common to uncommon summer resident of shelterbelts, prairie thickets and swales, and wood edges. You may hear its distinctive “FITZ-bew” call often before actually seeing the bird. In areas 90 where the Least Flycatcher is found, song is probably the only safe way to separate the two, although the Least is seldom found in prairie areas. Look for the Willow Flycatcher throughout the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills, in edge habitat along the James and Sheyenne Rivers, at Sully’s Creek Park, and on Bowman-Haley, Lake Ilo, Lostwood, Des Lacs, Upper Souris, J. Clark Salyer, Arrowwood, and Slade Refuges.
Alder Flycatcher—Uncommon to rare migrant through wooded areas in the eastern third. May nest in the Pembina Hills. This species was formerly considered conspecific with the Willow Flycatcher as the Traill’s Flycatcher. Safely separable from other members of the genus only by song, which sounds like “fee-BEE-o”.
Least Flycatcher—Common summer resident of deciduous forests and wooded farm habitats (like orchards and shelterbelts) throughout. Less common in the western half (with the exception of the Kenmare area). Look for it at such places as Sully’s Creek Park; the campgrounds in both units of the Roosevelt Memorial; wooded portions of Lake Ilo, Des Lacs, Lostwood, Upper Souris, J. Clark Salyer, Arrowwood, and Tewaukon Refuges; Tasker’s Coulee; throughout the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills; Turtle River Park; Stump Lake Park; Sully’s Hill Game Preserve; Clausen Springs; and along the bottomland forests of the Missouri, James, Red, and Sheyenne Rivers.
Eastern Pewee—Common to fairly common summer resident of wooded areas throughout the eastern two-thirds. Uncommon in the western edge of this area along the Missouri River at Bismarck, and on wooded portions of Des Lacs and Upper Souris Refuges. Look for it throughout the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills; on J. Clark Salyer and Tewaukon Refuges; at Turtle River Park; Stump Lake Park; Sully’s Hill Game Preserve; and along wooded bottomlands of the James, Sheyenne, and Red (try Lindenwood and Oak Grove Parks) Rivers.
Western Pewee—Uncommon to rare summer resident of wooded bottomlands along the Little Missouri River. Look for it in both units of the Roosevelt Memorial, at Sully’s Creek Park, and in wooded residential areas of Medora and Marmarth. This species has a harsh call which is quite different from the “pee-a-wee” of the Eastern Pewee. It can often be separated by sight as well. The Western has a dusky breast and flanks with a light “zipper” extending upward to the upper breast something like an Olive-sided Flycatcher.
Blue Jay—Fairly common permanent resident of deciduous woodlands west to Bismarck. Uncommon in the southwest quarter and uncommon to rare in the northwest quarter. Not hard to find in the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills, at Turtle River Park, Stump Lake Park, Sully’s Hill Game Preserve, Linden wood and Oak Grove Parks in Fargo, Little Yellowstone Park, Sully’s Creek Park, Little Missouri Park, the campgrounds of both units of the Roosevelt Memorial, the Sibley Island area at Bismarck, and in bottomland forests along the James, Red, and Sheyenne Rivers.
Black-billed Magpie—Fairly common permanent resident of wood margins, prairie thickets, and agricultural areas throughout much of the western half. Uncommon breeder in the Turtle Mountains and Devils Lake regions. Uncommon winter visitor over the rest of the state. Easy to find in both units of the Roosevelt Memorial, Sully’s Creek and Little Missouri Parks; western Bowman, Slope, and Golden Valley Counties; the Williston area; and along the Missouri River near Bismarck. Look for it also on Lostwood, Des Lacs, Upper Souris, and J. Clark Salyer (especially the sandhills) Refuges. In the east look for it in winter in the Turtle Mountains, Pembina Hills, on the south side of Devils Lake, Arrowwood Refuge, and in the Valley City area.
Black-capped Chickadee—Fairly common permanent resident of deciduous forests throughout. In winter it is commonly seen in residential areas. Should be easy to find at such places as Sully’s Creek Park, along the river and in wooded draws in both units of the Roosevelt Memorial, Upper Souris and J. Clark Salyer Refuges, throughout the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills, Turtle River Park, Stump Lake Park, Sully’s Hill Game Preserve, and along portions of the Missouri (near Bismarck), James (Stutsman County), Sheyenne (Barnes, Ransom, and Richland Counties), and Red (around Fargo) Rivers.
Sedge Wren—Fairly common summer resident of sedge fields, wet meadows, grassy edges of seasonal ponds, retired croplands, and alfalfa hayfields in the northwest, northeast, and southeast sectors. Found in the southwest only in alfalfa fields bordering the Missouri and its tributaries in Morton County. Look for it at Kelly’s Slough; Rush Lake; Lake Ardoch; the Little Heart River crossing; Des Lacs, Lostwood, Upper Souris, J. Clark Salyer, Rose Lake, Lake Alice, Arrowwood, Long Lake, and Tewaukon Refuges; and in suitable habitat in the Turtle Mountains. Of these, J. Clark Salyer Refuge may be best.
Rock Wren—Locally fairly common to uncommon summer resident of eroded buttes and desert-like arroyos in the western half. Look for it in both units of the Roosevelt Memorial, Sully’s Creek and Little Missouri Parks, the badlands area south of Mandan on Highway 1806, and in appropriate habitat along the roads going south from Marmarth and Rhame.
Gray Catbird—Common summer resident of brushy forest edges, prairie thickets, and shelterbelts throughout. Easy to find at Sully’s Creek Park, both units of Roosevelt Memorial, Lake Ilo, Des Lacs, Lostwood, Upper Souris, J. Clark Salyer, Arrowwood, and Tewaukon Refuges; throughout the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills; at Turtle River Park; Stump Lake Park; Sully’s Hill Game Preserve; and along the wooded bottomlands of the James, Missouri, Red, and Sheyenne Rivers.
Brown Thrasher—Common to fairly common summer resident throughout. Occupies much the same habitat and areas as the Catbird. Occurs more often in residential areas.
Gray-cheeked Thrush—Fairly common migrant in wooded parks, bottomlands, hills, coulees, and residential areas throughout most of the state. Fairly easy to find during May (harder to find in fall) at such places as Lindenwood Park; Turtle River, Little Yellowstone, and Stump Lake Parks; Sully’s Hill Game Preserve; Upper Souris, Des Lacs, and J. Clark Salyer Refuges; throughout the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills; and in wooded bottomlands of the Missouri (at Bismarck), James, Sheyenne, and Red Rivers.
Eastern Bluebird—Uncommon summer resident of forest edges, sandhills, orchards, shelterbelts, and agricultural areas throughout (rare in the southwest quarter). Most common in the southeast corner and in the Turtle Mountains. Some of the better areas are around Lake Ashtabula and Clausen Springs in Barnes County, and in the Sheyenne River bottomlands, sandhills, and grasslands in Ransom and Richland Counties. Try also appropriate habitat along the James River near Jamestown, and along the Missouri River near Bismarck and Mandan.
Mountain Bluebird—Fairly common summer resident of scrub prairie, dry slopes, and wooded coulees in the badlands of the western third. Uncommon to rare summer resident of forest-edge (usually near aspen stands) habitats in the Turtle Mountains and on J. Clark Salyer Refuge (sandhills area). Fairly common to uncommon migrant on prairies and agricultural areas throughout the remainder of the western half. Rare early-spring migrant over the rest of the state. Should be fairly easy to find in both units of the Roosevelt Memorial (especially along the Caprock Coulee Trail in the north unit), Little Missouri Park, the sandhills area of J. Clark Salyer Refuge, and throughout the Kenmare area during the second half of March.
Townsend’s Solitaire—Rare winter visitor/resident of wooded areas throughout the western half. Prefers deciduous river bottoms (Little Missouri River), coniferous slopes (badlands), and conifer stands in and around towns and cities. Look for it anywhere in the badlands or at the Northern Great Plains Research Station in Mandan.
Sprague’s Pipit—Fairly common but local summer resident of mixed-grass prairies and grassy lake borders throughout most of the western and central portions, but uncommon to rare in the eastern third. Uncommon migrant throughout. Should be easy to find at such places as Des Lacs, Lostwood, J. Clark Salyer (grasslands tour), Audubon, and Arrowwood Refuges; Longspur Pasture; and in appropriate habitat over much of Mountrail, Kidder, and Stutsman Counties.
Bohemian Waxwing—Fairly common but sporadic winter visitor to wooded habitats and residential areas throughout. In winters when present, often found in large flocks in bottomland forest, wood lots, city parks, crab-apple orchards, and residential areas. In fact it can be found anywhere where there are fruit-bearing trees or shrubs. During non-invasion years; can be impossible to find.
Northern Shrike—Uncommon winter visitor to prairies, agricultural areas, and open woodlands throughout. Often hangs out around feeding stations and picks off smaller birds. One of its favorite habitats is a dry slough with lots of willow growth. Here it can find an abundance of shrews, voles, and mice. Likes to perch in conspicuous places.
Bell’s Vireo—Rare and local summer resident of wooded bottomlands along the Missouri River at Bismarck. Try the Sibley Island area. Has a very distinctive “hurried-up” song, which is useful in locating this rather drab bird.
Yellow-throated Vireo—Fairly common to uncommon summer resident of mature deciduous forests throughout the eastern half. Look for it throughout the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills, on J. Clark Salyer Refuge, at Stump Lake and Turtle River Parks, Sully’s Hill Game Preserve, Lindenwood Park, and along bottomland forests of the James (in Stutsman County) and Sheyenne (in Barnes, Ransom, and Richland Counties) Rivers.
Red-eyed Vireo—Common summer resident of deciduous forests throughout. Should be easy to find at such places as Sully’s Creek and Turtle River Parks; along the river in both units of the Roosevelt Memorial; Des Lacs, Upper Souris, J. Clark Salyer, and Tewaukon Refuges; throughout the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills; Stump Lake Park; Sully’s Hill Game Preserve; the Sibley Island area at Bismarck; Lindenwood Park; and along stretches of the James (Stutsman County), Sheyenne (Barnes, Ransom, and Richland Counties), and Red Rivers.
Philadelphia Vireo—Uncommon summer resident of aspen forests of the Turtle Mountains. Look for it at Lake Metigoshe State Park and the Wakopa Game Management Area. Uncommon migrant through deciduous woodlands throughout the rest of the eastern half. In migration look for it at Turtle River and Stump Lake Parks, Sully’s Hill Game Preserve, J. Clark Salyer Refuge, Lindenwood Park, Icelandic Park, Gunlogson Arboretum, Tongue River Game Management Area, in all appropriate habitat in the Pembina Hills, and along the bottomland forests of the James, Sheyenne, and Red Rivers.
Migrant warblers—Occur in wooded habitats, shelterbelts, and residential areas throughout. More species and individuals can be found in the eastern half. The greatest diversity of migrant warblers usually occurs along the Red River at Fargo, where one may see as many as twenty species in one day. The species which regularly occur as migrants (some may nest) over the eastern half of the state include Black-and-white, Tennessee, Orange-crowned, Nashville, Yellow, Magnolia, Cape May, Yellow-rumped (Myrtle), Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Chestnut-sided, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, Palm, Connecticut, Mourning, Wilson’s, and Canada Warblers; Ovenbird; Northern Waterthrush; and American Redstart. Other species which can be seen in the east but with less regularity are 94 Prothonotary, Golden-winged, Northern Parula, Black-throated Blue, and Cerulean Warblers. In addition, the Yellow-rumped (Audubon’s) Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, and Yellow-breasted Chat can be found in the western half. The peak movements of warblers usually occur in mid-May and September.
Chestnut-sided Warbler—Uncommon to rare summer resident of deciduous forest edges and secondary growth in the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills. Fairly common to uncommon migrant throughout the eastern third; rare farther west.
Ovenbird—Common migrant and fairly common to uncommon summer resident of mature deciduous forests (especially bottomland forest) in scattered areas throughout. Look for it in summer along the Little Missouri River in both units of the Roosevelt Memorial (check the campgrounds and picnic areas), at Sully’s Creek and Little Missouri Parks, Tasker’s Coulee, J. Clark Salyer Refuge, throughout the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills, Sully’s Hill Game Preserve, Stump Lake Park, along the Missouri River at Bismarck (Sibley Island area), and in the bottomland forests of the Sheyenne River in Ransom and Richland Counties.
Northern Waterthrush—Fairly common to uncommon summer resident of wood-bordered bogs, swamps, streams, and lakes in the Turtle Mountains, Pembina Hills, and on the south side of Devils Lake. Fairly common migrant through similar habitat over most of the state.
Mourning Warbler—Uncommon summer resident of forests containing an abundance of secondary growth in the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills. Fairly common to uncommon migrant over the remainder of the eastern half; rare in the western half.
Bobolink—Fairly common summer resident of tall and mid-grass prairies, alfalfa and other hayfields, and retired croplands throughout. Easy to find at almost any prairie area. Slightly harder to find in the southwest quarter but try Bowman-Haley and Lake Ilo Refuges, and meadows and alfalfa fields along the Missouri River in Morton County.
Western Meadowlark—Common to abundant summer resident (a few winter) of open country throughout. This is the state bird of North Dakota and is the only meadowlark present. If you miss this one, you are birding with your eyes and ears closed!
Yellow-headed Blackbird—Common summer resident of cattail and bulrush marshes and lake edges throughout. Less common in the southwest quarter. Hard to miss at such places as Kelly’s Slough, the marshes around Burnstad, Rush Lake, and Des Lacs, Lostwood, Upper Souris, J. Clark Salyer, Audubon, Lake Ilo, Bowman-Haley, Long Lake, Slade, Arrowwood, and Tewaukon Refuges.
Orchard Oriole—Fairly common to uncommon summer resident of forest edges, farmyards, shelterbelts, orchards, and residential areas 95 throughout the southern half. Uncommon and local in similar habitat throughout the northern half. Some specific spots include wooded ravines and bottomland forest edges in the south unit of the Roosevelt Memorial, Sully’s Creek Park, the residential areas of Kenmare, the wooded area near the Des Lacs Refuge headquarters, the Sibley Island area at Bismarck, wooded draws surrounding Lake Ashtabula in Barnes County, and at Clausen Springs.
Northern Oriole—The predominant race, the Baltimore Oriole, is a fairly common summer resident of deciduous woodlands, shelterbelts, farmyards, and residential areas throughout the eastern two-thirds (uncommon to rare west of Bismarck). Not hard to find. The other race, the Bullock’s Oriole, is very restricted. It is uncommon and local in riparian stands of cottonwoods in Billings, Slope, and Bowman Counties. Look for it at Sully’s Creek Park, in the residential areas of Marmarth and Medora, along the river and at the campgrounds and picnic grounds in the south unit of the Roosevelt Memorial, and along wooded portions of the Little Missouri River south of Marmarth.
Rusty Blackbird—Uncommon migrant and uncommon to rare winter visitor to bottomland forests, wood lots, and farmyards throughout.
Brewer’s Blackbird—Fairly common summer resident and uncommon to rare winter visitor of open country throughout. Least common in the south-central portion. Not hard to find.
Common Grackle—Common to fairly common summer resident and rare winter visitor of forest edges, farmlands, and residential areas throughout. Easy to find almost anywhere.
Scarlet Tanager—Uncommon summer resident of mature deciduous forests throughout the eastern quarter. Rare breeder in the bottomland forests along the Missouri River at Bismarck. Uncommon migrant throughout the eastern third. Look for it in the Pembina Hills, at Gunlogson Arboretum, Stump Lake Park, Turtle River Park, and along the bottomland forests of the Red, Pembina, Tongue, and Sheyenne (especially in Ransom and Richland Counties) Rivers.
Northern Cardinal—Uncommon permanent resident of brushy tangles in wooded areas along the Red River at Fargo. In summer it is easiest to see at Oak Grove Park. In winter it may be observed at feeding stations along the river.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak—Fairly common summer resident of mature deciduous forests throughout the eastern half. Commonly seen in migration west to Bismarck. Look for it at Oak Grove and Lindenwood Parks in Fargo, Turtle River and Stump Lake Parks, Sully’s Hill Game Preserve, in the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills, the Gunlogson Arboretum, J. Clark Salyer and Tewaukon Refuges, Clausen Springs, and in the bottomland forests of the James, Red, and Sheyenne Rivers.
Black-headed Grosbeak—Fairly common to uncommon summer resident of mature deciduous forests bordering the Missouri and Little Missouri Rivers in the western half. Fairly easy to find in the Sibley Island area at Bismarck, at Sully’s Creek and Little Missouri Parks, in the residential areas of Medora and Marmarth, and along the river in both units of the Roosevelt Memorial (especially Squaw Creek campgrounds/picnic grounds in the north unit).
Blue Grosbeak—Rare spring and summer visitor (and possible breeder) to forest edges, prairie thickets, shelterbelts, and agricultural areas throughout. Most likely in the Little Missouri badlands.
Indigo Bunting—Fairly common summer resident of deciduous forests throughout the eastern third. Uncommon breeder along the Missouri River at Bismarck. Look for this striking bird throughout the Pembina Hills, at Turtle River and Stump Lake Parks, Sully’s Hill Game Preserve, Oak Grove and Linden wood Parks in Fargo, along the Red River from Pembina County to Richland County, along the James River in Stutsman County, and in the Sibley Island area at Bismarck. The latter area overlaps the range of the Lazuli Bunting, and you may see mated pairs and hybrids.
Lazuli Bunting—Fairly common summer resident of deciduous forests throughout most of the western half. Like the Indigo Bunting, this species prefers forest edges and semi-open forests to the thickly wooded areas. Should be easy to find at Sully’s Creek and Little Missouri Parks, along the river and at the campgrounds and picnic grounds in both units of Roosevelt Memorial (especially at Squaw Creek campgrounds/picnic grounds in the north unit), along the river on Upper Souris Refuge, and along the Missouri River at Bismarck (try the Sibley Island area).
Dickcissel—Fairly common summer resident of prairie grasslands, alfalfa hayfields, and retired croplands over most of the state. Somewhat cyclic; common one year and hard to find the next. Much less common in the northern third. Look for it at Bowman-Haley, Lake Ilo, Long Lake, Des Lacs (uncommon to rare), J. Clark Salyer, Audubon, Arrowwood, Slade, Tewaukon, and Rose Lake Refuges; in alfalfa and weedy fields along the Missouri River at Bismarck-Mandan; around Lake Ashtabula; along the road to the North Fargo Sewage Lagoons; and along any back roads through open country in the southeast quarter.
Evening Grosbeak—Fairly common but erratic winter visitor to forests, wood lots, farmyards, and residential areas throughout. Easiest to see at feeding stations along river bottoms at such places as Fargo, Grand Forks, Valley City, Jamestown, Devils Lake, Bismarck, and Mandan. This species is more regular than some of the other winter visitors from the north, being present in good numbers during most winters.
Pine Grosbeak—Uncommon and erratic winter visitor to forests, wood lots, orchards, farmyards, and residential areas over most of the state. Less common in the southwestern quarter. Look for it at Des Lacs Refuge, 97 throughout the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills, at Turtle River Park, Lindenwood Park and Riverside Cemetery in Fargo, Sully’s Hill Game Preserve, and along wooded river bottoms (such as the Missouri, James, Red, and Sheyenne) across the eastern two-thirds.
Gray-crowned Rosy Finch—Occasional winter visitor to open country in the extreme western part of the state. Most likely in the Little Missouri badlands. Often found in large flocks. Over the rest of the state single birds may show up at feeding stations with flocks of juncos.
Hoary Redpoll—Rare and erratic winter visitor to open country and feeding stations throughout. More common in the eastern half. Usually found with flocks of Common Redpolls. During invasion years it may be uncommon from Bismarck east.
Common Redpoll—Common but erratic winter visitor to open country throughout. Frequents feeding stations in residential areas. Preferred spots include forest edges, weed-filled ditches, dry sloughs, and sunflower fields. Some winters totally absent; when present can usually be found in good numbers almost anywhere.
Red Crossbill—Fairly common but erratic winter visitor to forests, parks, cemeteries, tree lines, and residential areas throughout. Partial to plantings of conifers, but may frequent feeding stations in large numbers. After invasion winters, scattered pairs often nest over much of the state. During good winters often easier to find in the vicinity of Lindenwood Park and Riverside Cemetery in Fargo than elsewhere.
White-winged Crossbill—Rare and erratic winter visitor to woodlands and residential feeding stations throughout. Apparently, more common in the eastern half. Found in the same habitat as the Red Crossbill.
Lark Bunting—Common to abundant summer resident of sage prairies, grasslands, weedy fields, and retired croplands throughout the western two-thirds. Uncommon to rare east of Jamestown. Most abundant in the southwest sector.
Baird’s Sparrow—Fairly common to uncommon summer resident of mixed-grass prairies, alfalfa hayfields, and retired croplands throughout much of the western three-fourths of the state. For the most part rare or absent east of Stutsman County. The preferred habitat seems to be mixed-grass prairie dotted with wolfberry and silverberry shrubs. Tall-grass areas bordering prairie potholes and lakes are also frequented. Some of the better areas include Bowman-Haley, Lake Ilo, Lostwood, Des Lacs, Upper Souris, J. Clark Salyer (grasslands tour), Audubon, Arrowwood, and Long Lake Refuges; Longspur Pasture; and the edges of Salt Alkaline Lake. Of these, Longspur Pasture is probably the easiest place to find it.
The Baird’s Sparrow has a song consisting of three short “tic”’s followed by a musical trill, somewhat like the song of the Savannah Sparrow. The song usually given by the Grasshopper Sparrow is similar in pattern, 98 but has more of an insect-like quality to the trill. The Grasshopper Sparrow also has a second song, which is also very similar to that of the Baird’s. With practice you will learn to distinguish between the two, but at first you will have to see the bird to make sure.
Le Conte’s Sparrow—Fairly common summer resident of sedge fields, wet meadows and lake borders, alfalfa hayfields, and retired croplands throughout much of the eastern half. Fairly common in the Kenmare area as well. This rather shy sparrow often undergoes yearly population fluctuations, which are dependent upon water levels. During dry years it is often absent from many of its regular breeding locations. (This is especially true in the Kenmare area.) Some of the more dependable spots include Lostwood, Des Lacs, J. Clark Salyer, Arrowwood, Audubon, Lake Alice, Rose Lake, and Tewaukon Refuges; Kelly’s Slough; Lake Ardoch; and the area surrounding the Sanborne Waterfowl Production Area in Barnes County. Of these spots J. Clark Salyer, Kelly’s Slough, and the Rose Lake area are probably your best bets.
Sharp-tailed Sparrow—Locally fairly common to uncommon summer resident of sedge fields, wet meadows, and marshes with much emergent vegetation over much of the eastern half and northwest quarter. Undergoes frequent fluctuations of breeding populations. Unlike the Le Conte’s, the Sharp-tailed is more common during dry years. When the water levels of marshes are lowered, there is more emergent vegetation to utilize as a nesting habitat. Look for it at such places as Lostwood, Des Lacs, J. Clark Salyer, Arrowwood, Long Lake, Slade, Lake Alice, Rose Lake, and Tewaukon Refuges; Rush Lake; the Sanborne Waterfowl Production Area in Barnes County; and in proper habitat throughout Sargent, Stutsman, Benson, and Nelson Counties.
American Tree Sparrow—Common migrant and uncommon winter visitor to weedy fields and ditches, retired croplands, sunflower fields, and feeding stations throughout. Not hard to find.
Clay-colored Sparrow—Common summer resident of prairie thickets, shelterbelts, brushy wood margins, and retired croplands throughout. If you miss this species, you are probably not birding.
Brewer’s Sparrow—Fairly common summer resident of sage prairies in the southwest corner. Largely restricted to the western portions of Slope and Bowman Counties. Local populations occur in Billings and Golden Valley Counties. Easy to find along the road going south from Marmarth.
If you are not familiar with this species, you may have trouble in differentiating between it and the Clay-colored Sparrow. The songs of the two species are very different and are the easiest way to tell them apart. The Clay-colored has a very low buzzy song of short duration. The Brewer’s has a series of trills.
Field Sparrow—Fairly common summer resident of sage flats, prairie thickets, brushy ravines, and wood margins in the western half. Uncommon 99 summer resident of sandhills and brushy margins of the Sheyenne River in Barnes, Ransom, and Richland Counties. Uncommon migrant elsewhere. Easy to find along the Missouri River at Bismarck, at Sully’s Creek State Park, and in both units of the Roosevelt Memorial.
Harris’ Sparrow—Common migrant and rare winter visitor to brushy wood margins, shelterbelts, wood lots, parks, residential areas, and feeding stations throughout. Not hard to find.
Swamp Sparrow—Uncommon and local summer resident of brushy bogs scattered throughout the eastern half. Isolated colonies have been located in Bottineau, Benson, LaMoure, Kidder, Dickey, and Sargent Counties in recent years (Stewart, Breeding Birds of North Dakota, 1975). Uncommon migrant through wood-bordered streams, ponds, lakes, and marshy areas west to about Bismarck.
McCown’s Longspur—Locally fairly common to uncommon summer resident of short-grass prairies, stubble fields, and summer fallow fields in the northwest and southwest corners of the state. Look along the roads going south from Rhame and Marmarth, in the stubble fields around Bowman-Haley Refuge, in the Kenmare area, in the south unit of the Roosevelt Memorial, the stubble fields of central McKenzie County, and in the vicinity of Crosby (Divide County).
Lapland Longspur—Common migrant and uncommon winter visitor to open country throughout. Can be seen in large flocks around marshy areas during migration. Some flocks may contain thousands of birds. In winter look for it along roadsides with Horned Larks and Snow Buntings.
Smith’s Longspur—Rare migrant in open country throughout much of the eastern two-thirds (more common in the eastern one-fourth). Usually found in flocks of Lapland Longspurs, but occasionally occurs in large, pure flocks in the fall, particularly around marshes in the southeast sector. Try the North Fargo Sewage Lagoons and the waterfowl production areas near Alice (Cass County).
Chestnut-collared Longspur—Common summer resident of mixed-grass prairies, short-grass prairies, pastures, stubble fields, fallow fields, and retired croplands throughout (rare in Steele, Traill, Cass, Ransom, and Richland Counties). Hard to miss at such places as Bowman-Haley, Lake Ilo, Stewart Lake, Lostwood, Des Lacs, Upper Souris, J. Clark Salyer (grasslands tour), Audubon, Long Lake, Arrowwood, and Salde Refuges; along the roads going south from Marmarth and Rhame; at Longspur Pasture; and in prairie grasslands.
Snow Bunting—Common winter visitor to open country throughout. Less common in the southwest corner. Easy to find just by driving any roads (with the possible exception of interstates) leading through prairies or agricultural areas. Often seen right along the road feeding with Horned Larks.
The following charts include all species of wild birds occurring in North Dakota.
The bar-graphs are designed to give a conservative idea of your chances of finding a particular species rather than of its abundance. Thus a large bird such as the Red-tailed Hawk may be shown as “hard to miss” while a shy, hard-to-identify, or small bird such as the Sharp-tailed Sparrow may occur in greater numbers, but be shown as “may see.”
| HARD TO MISS | ###### |
| SHOULD SEE | xxxxxx |
| MAY SEE | ====== |
| LUCKY TO FIND | ------ |
| HOW LUCKY CAN YOU GET | ...... |
Many local birders and others who bird the area frequently were consulted in determining the status of each bird. Since these people are familiar with the birds, their songs, habits, and habitats, they are good at finding the more elusive species. On your first trip to the area, you may think that some birds are harder to find than is indicated here.
If you are in the RIGHT HABITAT and the RIGHT AREA at the RIGHT SEASON, you should be able to find the “hard to miss” birds on nearly every field trip; the “should see” on 3 out of 4 trips; the “may see” on 1 out of 4 trips; and the “lucky to find” on 1 out of 10 trips or even less frequently. The “how lucky can you get” species occur at very infrequent intervals or take an expert to identify.
Although “forget it” is the answer that you will probably receive when inquiring about your chances of seeing a very rare species, do not stop looking. Adding a rarity to your list is what puts the topping on a trip. If you are positive of your identification, take careful notes and report your find to the regional editor of American Birds: Esther M. Serr, 615 8th Street, Rapid City, S.D. 57701.
| SE | SW | NW | NE | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMMON LOON | --- | --- | --- | === | --- | --- | --- | -- | ||||||||||
| ” | === | === | === | === | === | |||||||||||||
| RED-NECKED GREBE | --- | --- | --- | === | -- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | -- | |||||||
| ” | === | === | === | === | ||||||||||||||
| HORNED GREBE | === | --- | === | === | == | === | === | === | === | === | == | |||||||
| EARED GREBE | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | |||||||
| WESTERN GREBE | xxx | xxx | ### | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | |||||||
| PIED-BILLED GREBE | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ||||||||
| AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN | ### | ### | ### | xxx | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ||||||||
| DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ||||||||
| GREAT BLUE HERON | === | === | === | === | == | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | ||||||
| GREEN HERON | === | ... | ... | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ... | |||||||
| CATTLE EGRET | ... | ... | ... | --- | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | .. | |||||||
| GREAT EGRET | --- | ... | ... | --- | -- | --- | --- | --- | ||||||||||
| ” | === | == | === | === | ||||||||||||||
| SNOWY EGRET | ... | ... | ... | ... | .. | ... | ... | ... | ||||||||||
| BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | ||||||||
| LEAST BITTERN | ... | ... | ... | .. | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | |||||||||
| AMERICAN BITTERN | === | === | === | === | == | === | === | === | === | === | ||||||||
| WHITE-FACED IBIS | ... | ... | .. | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ||||||||||
| WHISTLING SWAN | === | === | === | === | == | === | === | xxx | === | |||||||||
| CANADA GOOSE | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | xxx | === | === | === | === | xxx | xxx | == | |||||
| GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE | -- | xxx | xxx | --- | == | === | === | === | == | |||||||||
| SNOW GOOSE | ### | xxx | xxx | ### | ## | ### | ### | ### | == | |||||||||
| MALLARD | ### | ### | ### | ### | === | === | xxx | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | === | === | === | ||
| AMERICAN BLACK DUCK | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | .. | |||||||
| GADWALL | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | == | |||||||
| COMMON PINTAIL | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | == | |||||||
| GREEN-WINGED TEAL | === | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | === | === | === | xxx | == | |||||||
| BLUE-WINGED TEAL | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | xx | |||||||
| CINNAMON TEAL | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | .. | |||||||
| AMERICAN WIGEON | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | == | |||||||
| NORTHERN SHOVELER | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ## | |||||||
| WOOD DUCK | xxx | === | === | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | === | == | |||||||
| REDHEAD | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | == | |||||||
| RING-NECKED DUCK | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | --- | --- | --- | xxx | xxx | |||||||
| CANVASBACK | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | -- | |||||||
| GREATER SCAUP | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ||||||||||
| LESSER SCAUP | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | === | === | === | xxx | xxx | |||||||
| COMMON GOLDENEYE | === | === | === | === | ... | ... | ... | === | == | --- | --- | --. | ... | |||||
| ” | ... | .. | ... | ... | ... | |||||||||||||
| BUFFLEHEAD | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | ||||||||||
| ” | --- | --- | --- | --- | ||||||||||||||
| OLDSQUAW | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | |||||||||||
| WHITE WINGED SCOTER | --- | ... | ... | --- | -- | --- | -- | --- | -- | |||||||||
| ” | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ||||||||||||
| BLACK SCOTER | ... | ... | ... | .. | ... | .. | ... | .. | ||||||||||
| RUDDY DUCK | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ## | |||||||
| HOODED MERGANSER | --- | ... | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | -- | |||||||
| COMMON MERGANSER | xxx | === | xxx | xxx | xxx | == | --- | --- | ||||||||||
| RED-BREASTED MERGANSER | --- | --- | --- | --- | ... | ... | ... | --- | -- | --- | --- | ... | ... | |||||
| TURKEY VULTURE | === | --- | -- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | -- | |||||||||
| NORTHERN GOSHAWK | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ... | ... | ... | --- | --- | ||||||
| SHARP-SHINNED HAWK | --- | --- | --- | === | === | === | --- | --- | --- | === | === | -- | ||||||
| COOPER’S HAWK | --- | --- | --- | === | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | |||||||
| RED-TAILED HAWK | ### | ### | ### | ### | --- | --- | --- | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | --- | --- | ||
| BROAD-WINGED HAWK | === | --- | --- | === | == | === | --- | --- | --- | === | === | |||||||
| SWAINSON’S HAWK | === | xxx | xxx | === | == | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | === | ||||||||
| ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK | === | --- | --- | === | === | === | === | == | == | === | === | |||||||
| FERRUGINOUS HAWK | === | === | === | --- | == | === | === | === | === | === | == | |||||||
| GOLDEN EAGLE | ... | === | --- | ... | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ||
| BALD EAGLE | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | --- | --- | --- | ||
| NORTHERN HARRIER | ### | ### | ### | ### | ... | ... | ... | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | xxx | ... | ... | ||
| OSPREY | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ||||||||||
| GYRFALCON | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ||||||||||
| PRAIRIE FALCON | ... | --- | --- | ... | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ||
| PEREGRINE FALCON | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ||
| MERLIN | ... | --- | --- | ... | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ||
| AMERICAN KESTREL | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | --- | --- | --- | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | --- | --- | --- | ||
| RUFFED GROUSE | ... | ... | === | --- | --- | --- | === | === | === | === | === | --- | --- | --- | --- | |||
| GREATER PRAIRIE CHICKEN | === | === | --- | --- | == | === | == | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ||||
| SHARP-TAILED GROUSE | === | ### | ### | === | xxx | xxx | xxx | ### | ### | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | ||
| SAGE GROUSE | --- | --- | --- | --- | === | === | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | |||||
| RING-NECKED PHEASANT | === | === | === | --- | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | ||
| GRAY PARTRIDGE | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | ||
| WILD TURKEY | === | === | === | --- | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | ||
| WHOOPING CRANE | ... | ... | .. | .. | ... | ... | ||||||||||||
| SANDHILL CRANE | --- | xxx | xxx | --- | === | xxx | xxx | xx | ||||||||||
| KING RAIL | ... | .. | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | |||||||||||
| VIRGINIA RAIL | === | --- | === | === | == | === | === | === | === | === | ||||||||
| SORA | === | === | === | === | == | === | === | === | === | === | ||||||||
| YELLOW RAIL | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | |||||||||||
| AMERICAN COOT | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | == | ||||||
| SEMIPALMATED PLOVER | === | === | === | === | == | === | === | === | ||||||||||
| PIPING PLOVER | --- | === | === | --- | == | === | === | === | === | === | ||||||||
| KILLDEER | ### | ### | ### | ### | === | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | -- | |||||
| LESSER GOLDEN PLOVER | xxx | --- | === | === | == | == | xxx | xxx | -- | |||||||||
| BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER | xxx | --- | === | === | == | == | === | === | == | |||||||||
| RUDDY TURNSTONE | === | ... | --- | === | == | === | === | === | == | |||||||||
| AMERICAN WOODCOCK | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ||||||||||
| COMMON SNIPE | === | --- | === | === | === | === | --- | --- | --- | === | === | |||||||
| LONG-BILLED CURLEW | --- | -- | --- | --- | --- | --- | -- | |||||||||||
| UPLAND SANDPIPER | xxx | xxx | xxx | === | == | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | === | ||||||||
| SPOTTED SANDPIPER | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | === | == | |||||||
| SOLITARY SANDPIPER | === | === | === | === | == | === | == | === | === | == | ||||||||
| WILLET | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | == | |||||||
| GREATER YELLOWLEGS | === | === | === | === | == | === | == | === | === | == | ||||||||
| LESSER YELLOWLEGS | ### | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | xxx | === | =xx | xxx | xxx | == | |||||||
| RED KNOT | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | .. | ||||||||||||
| PECTORAL SANDPIPER | === | === | === | === | == | === | == | === | === | == | ||||||||
| WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | -- | --- | --- | -- | |||||||||
| BAIRD’S SANDPIPER | === | === | === | === | == | === | == | === | === | == | ||||||||
| LEAST SANDPIPER | ### | xxx | ### | ### | ## | ### | === | ### | ### | ### | == | |||||||
| DUNLIN | === | --- | --- | === | == | === | == | === | === | == | ||||||||
| SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER | === | --- | --- | === | == | === | == | === | === | == | ||||||||
| LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER | === | === | === | === | == | === | == | === | === | == | ||||||||
| STILT SANDPIPER | xxx | --- | --- | xxx | xx | xxx | xx | xxx | xxx | == | ||||||||
| SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER | ### | === | ### | ### | ## | ### | ## | ### | ### | == | ||||||||
| WESTERN SANDPIPER | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | -- | --- | --- | -- | |||||||||
| BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER | ... | ... | ... | --- | .. | ... | ... | .. | ||||||||||
| MARBLED GODWIT | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | ||||||||
| HUDSONIAN GODWIT | --- | --- | --- | --- | -- | --- | --- | --- | -- | |||||||||
| SANDERLING | === | --- | --- | === | == | === | == | === | === | -- | ||||||||
| AMERICAN AVOCET | ### | ### | ### | ### | ## | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | -- | |||||||
| WILSON’S PHALAROPE | ### | ### | ### | ### | ## | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | -- | |||||||
| NORTHERN PHALAROPE | === | === | xxx | === | == | === | == | === | === | |||||||||
| HERRING GULL | --- | --- | --- | --- | -- | --- | -- | --- | --- | |||||||||
| CALIFORNIA GULL | === | === | === | -- | -- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ||||||||
| RING-BILLED GULL | ### | ### | ### | ### | ## | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ## | |||||||
| FRANKLIN’S GULL | ### | ### | ### | ### | ## | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ## | |||||||
| BONAPARTE’S GULL | === | --- | --- | --- | -- | --- | --- | --- | -- | |||||||||
| FORSTER’S TERN | xxx | === | === | xxx | == | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | --- | -- | |||||||
| COMMON TERN | === | === | === | === | == | === | === | === | === | --- | -- | |||||||
| LITTLE TERN | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | -- | ||||||||||||
| CASPIAN TERN | ... | ... | ... | .. | ... | .. | ... | .. | ||||||||||
| BLACK TERN | ### | ### | ### | ### | ## | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | == | |||||||
| ROCK DOVE | ### | xxx | xxx | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ||
| MOURNING DOVE | ### | ### | ### | ### | --- | --- | -## | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | === | --- | ||
| YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO | ... | ... | ... | ... | .. | ... | ... | ... | ... | .. | ||||||||
| BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO | === | === | === | === | == | === | === | === | === | -- | ||||||||
| COMMON SCREECH-OWL | --- | ... | ... | --- | ... | ... | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ... | ||
| GREAT HORNED OWL | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | ||
| SNOWY OWL | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | -- | -- | === | ||||||||
| BURROWING OWL | --- | === | --- | ... | --- | === | === | === | === | --- | --- | |||||||
| BARRED OWL | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ||||
| LONG-EARED OWL | ... | ... | --- | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ||
| SHORT-EARED OWL | --- | === | --- | --- | === | === | === | == | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | === | === | === | ||
| SAW-WHET OWL | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ||
| WHIP-POOR-WILL | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | .. | ||||||||||
| POOR-WILL | --- | -- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | |||||||||||
| COMMON NIGHTHAWK | ### | ### | ### | ### | ## | ### | ### | ### | ### | xxx | ||||||||
| CHIMNEY SWIFT | xxx | xxx | === | xxx | xx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | ||||||||
| RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD | === | --- | --- | === | === | --- | --- | --- | === | |||||||||
| BELTED KINGFISHER | === | === | === | xxx | == | === | === | === | === | === | == | |||||||
| COMMON FLICKER | ### | ### | xxx | ### | === | === | === | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | === | === | ||
| PILEATED WOODPECKER | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ||||
| RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ||||||||
| RED-HEADED WOODPECKER | xxx | xxx | --- | === | == | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | === | === | |||||||
| LEWIS’ WOODPECKER | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ||||
| YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER | === | === | --- | xxx | == | === | === | === | === | === | === | |||||||
| HAIRY WOODPECKER | xxx | xxx | === | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | ||
| DOWNY WOODPECKER | xxx | xxx | === | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | ||
| EASTERN KINGBIRD | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | === | |||||||||
| WESTERN KINGBIRD | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | === | |||||||||
| GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER | === | --- | --- | xxx | === | === | === | === | === | |||||||||
| EASTERN PHOEBE | === | --- | --- | === | == | === | === | === | === | === | == | |||||||
| SAY’S PHOEBE | --- | === | === | ... | -- | === | === | === | === | === | -- | |||||||
| YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER | --- | --- | --- | --- | -- | |||||||||||||
| WILLOW FLYCATCHER | xxx | === | xxx | xxx | === | xxx | xxx | xxx | === | == | ||||||||
| ALDER FLYCATCHER | --- | --- | --- | ... | ... | ... | --- | -- | ||||||||||
| LEAST FLYCATCHER | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | == | ||||||||
| EASTERN PEWEE | xxx | ... | --- | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | == | ||||||||
| WESTERN PEWEE | === | ... | == | === | === | === | === | == | ||||||||||
| OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER | --- | --- | --- | === | --- | --- | -- | |||||||||||
| HORNED LARK | ### | ### | ### | ### | xxx | xxx | xxx | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | xxx | ||
| TREE SWALLOW | xxx | --- | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | === | |||||||||
| BANK SWALLOW | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | === | |||||||||
| ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | === | |||||||||
| BARN SWALLOW | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | === | ||||||||
| CLIFF SWALLOW | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | === | |||||||||
| PURPLE MARTIN | ### | xxx | xxx | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ||||||||||
| BLUE JAY | xxx | === | === | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | ||
| BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE | === | xxx | xxx | === | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | ||
| NORTHERN RAVEN | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | |||||||||||
| AMERICAN CROW | ### | xxx | xxx | ### | --- | --- | -## | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | #-- | ||
| BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | ### | ### | ### | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | ### | ### | ||
| WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH | xxx | === | --- | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | ||
| RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH | === | === | === | === | --- | --- | --- | === | === | ... | ... | ... | == | === | === | --- | ||
| BROWN CREEPER | === | === | === | === | --- | --- | --- | === | == | == | === | === | --- | |||||
| HOUSE WREN | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | === | ||||||||
| WINTER WREN | ... | ... | ... | --- | .. | .. | ... | ... | ||||||||||
| MARSH WREN | ### | xxx | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | === | ||||||||
| SEDGE WREN | xxx | === | xxx | ### | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | === | === | ||||||||
| ROCK WREN | === | --- | === | === | === | === | === | == | ||||||||||
| NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ||
| GRAY CATBIRD | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | === | |||||||
| BROWN THRASHER | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | === | |||||||
| SAGE THRASHER | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | |||||||||||
| AMERICAN ROBIN | ### | xxx | xxx | ### | === | === | === | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | === | === | === | ||
| WOOD THRUSH | ... | ... | ... | ... | ||||||||||||||
| HERMIT THRUSH | === | === | === | === | == | === | === | == | ||||||||||
| SWAINSON’S THRUSH | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | == | xxx | xxx | == | ||||||||||
| GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH | === | === | === | === | == | === | === | == | ||||||||||
| VEERY | === | === | xxx | xxx | == | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | === | ||||||||
| EASTERN BLUEBIRD | === | === | --- | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | == | ||||||
| MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD | === | === | --- | == | === | === | === | === | === | |||||||||
| TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRE | ... | --- | ... | ... | --- | --- | ... | ... | ... | --- | ||||||||
| GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET | xxx | xxx | === | xxx | --- | --- | --- | xxx | xx | xxx | --- | |||||||
| RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET | xxx | === | === | xxx | xxx | xx | xxx | |||||||||||
| WATER PIPIT | xxx | === | === | === | == | -- | === | === | ||||||||||
| SPRAGUE’S PIPIT | === | === | xxx | === | -- | === | === | === | === | === | --- | |||||||
| BOHEMIAN WAXWING | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | ||||||||||
| CEDAR WAXWING | xxx | === | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | ||
| NORTHERN SHRIKE | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | |||||||||
| LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE | === | xxx | xxx | --- | xx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | === | == | |||||||
| EUROPEAN STARLING | ### | xxx | xxx | ### | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | ||
| BELL’S VIREO | ... | .. | ... | ... | ... | ... | ||||||||||||
| YELLOW-THROATED VIREO | === | --- | === | == | === | === | === | === | -- | |||||||||
| SOLITARY VIREO | === | ... | ... | === | == | === | -- | |||||||||||
| RED-EYED VIREO | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | xxx | xxx | xxx | === | -- | ||||||||
| PHILADELPHIA VIREO | === | --- | --- | === | == | --- | -- | |||||||||||
| ” | --- | --- | --- | --- | ||||||||||||||
| WARBLING VIREO | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | xxx | xxx | xxx | === | -- | ||||||||
| BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER | xxx | === | === | xxx | xxx | === | === | === | === | -- | ||||||||
| PROTHONOTARY WARBLER | ... | ... | ... | ... | .. | |||||||||||||
| GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER | ... | ... | .. | ... | ||||||||||||||
| TENNESSEE WARBLER | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | xxx | -- | |||||||||||
| ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | -- | |||||||||||
| NASHVILLE WARBLER | === | --- | --- | === | == | === | -- | |||||||||||
| NORTHERN PARULA WARBLER | ... | ... | ... | ... | ||||||||||||||
| YELLOW WARBLER | ### | ### | ### | ### | ## | ### | ### | ### | ### | === | -- | |||||||
| MAGNOLIA WARBLER | === | === | --- | === | == | === | -- | |||||||||||
| CAPE MAY WARBLER | --- | ... | ... | --- | --- | --- | -- | |||||||||||
| BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER | ... | ... | ... | ... | .. | |||||||||||||
| YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER | ### | ### | ### | ### | ## | ### | ### | ### | ||||||||||
| ” | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | |||||||||||||
| BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER | --- | ... | ... | --- | -- | ... | .. | |||||||||||
| CERULEAN WARBLER | ... | ... | .. | ... | ||||||||||||||
| BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER | --- | ... | ... | --- | -- | ... | ||||||||||||
| CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER | === | ... | ... | === | == | === | -- | |||||||||||
| ” | --- | --- | --- | --- | ||||||||||||||
| BAY-BREASTED WARBLER | === | ... | --- | === | == | --- | -- | |||||||||||
| BLACKPOLL WARBLER | === | === | === | === | == | === | -- | |||||||||||
| PALM WARBLER | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | |||||||||||
| OVENBIRD | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | === | === | === | xxx | |||||||||
| NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH | xxx | === | === | xxx | xx | === | === | === | xxx | |||||||||
| CONNECTICUT WARBLER | --- | ... | --- | -- | -- | |||||||||||||
| MOURNING WARBLER | === | --- | --- | === | == | === | -- | |||||||||||
| ” | === | === | === | === | ||||||||||||||
| MACGILLIVRAY’S WARBLER | ... | ... | ... | ... | ||||||||||||||
| COMMON YELLOWTHROAT | ### | xxx | ### | ### | ## | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | == | |||||||
| YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT | ... | === | === | ... | == | === | === | === | === | |||||||||
| WILSON’S WARBLER | === | === | === | === | == | === | -- | |||||||||||
| CANADA WARBLER | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ||||||||||||
| AMERICAN REDSTART | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | |||||||||
| HOUSE SPARROW | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ||
| BOBOLINK | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | |||||||||
| WESTERN MEADOWLARK | ### | ### | ### | ### | --- | --- | --- | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | xxx | --- | ||
| YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD | ### | xxx | ### | ### | ## | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | xx | |||||||
| RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD | ### | ### | ### | ### | --- | --- | --- | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | xxx | --- | ||
| ORCHARD ORIOLE | === | === | === | --- | == | === | === | === | === | |||||||||
| NORTHERN ORIOLE | xxx | === | === | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | === | |||||||||
| RUSTY BLACKBIRD | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | == | === | === | |||||||
| BREWER’S BLACKBIRD | === | xxx | xxx | xxx | --- | --- | --- | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | x-- | --- | ||
| COMMON GRACKLE | ### | ### | ### | ### | --- | --- | --- | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | #-- | --- | ||
| BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | |||||||||
| SCARLET TANAGER | --- | --- | ... | === | -- | === | === | --- | --- | |||||||||
| NORTHERN CARDINAL | === | ... | ... | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ||
| ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK | xxx | --- | --- | xxx | xx | === | === | === | xxx | |||||||||
| BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK | xxx | xxx | xx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | |||||||||||
| BLUE GROSBEAK | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | |||||||||||
| INDIGO BUNTING | === | --- | --- | === | == | === | === | === | === | |||||||||
| LAZULI BUNTING | xxx | xxx | xx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | |||||||||||
| DICKCISSEL | xxx | xxx | --- | === | xx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | == | ||||||||
| EVENING GROSBEAK | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | = | = | === | ||||||||
| PURPLE FINCH | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | == | == | === | === | === | |||||
| PINE GROSBEAK | === | === | === | === | === | === | === | = | === | |||||||||
| GRAY-CROWNED ROSY FINCH | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ||||||||||||
| HOARY REDPOLL | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ||||||||||
| COMMON REDPOLL | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | xxx | |||||||||
| PINE SISKIN | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx- | ... | ... | ... | .== | xxx | xxx | xxx | ||
| AMERICAN GOLDFINCH | ### | ### | ### | ### | === | === | === | === | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | === | === | === | ||
| RED CROSSBILL | === | === | --- | === | === | === | === | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | === | === | === | ||
| WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | |||||||||
| RUFOUS-SIDED TOWHEE | === | xxx | xxx | === | == | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | == | |||||||
| LARK BUNTING | xxx | ### | ### | === | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | |||||||||
| SAVANNAH SPARROW | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | |||||||
| GRASSHOPPER SPARROW | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | |||||||||
| BAIRD’S SPARROW | xxx | === | xxx | === | x | xxx | xxx | xxx | --- | |||||||||
| LE CONTE’S SPARROW | === | ... | === | === | === | === | === | --- | ||||||||||
| SHARP-TAILED SPARROW | === | ... | === | === | === | === | === | --- | --- | |||||||||
| VESPER SPARROW | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | |||||||
| LARK SPARROW | === | xxx | xxx | === | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | == | ||||||||
| NORTHERN JUNCO | ### | ### | ### | ### | xxx | xxx | xxx | ### | ## | ### | ### | xxx | ||||||
| AMERICAN TREE SPARROW | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | === | === | xxx | xx | xxx | xxx | === | |||||||
| CHIPPING SPARROW | ### | ### | xxx | xxx | ## | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ||||||||
| CLAY-COLORED SPARROW | ### | ### | ### | ### | ## | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | ||||||||
| BREWER’S SPARROW | === | === | === | === | === | --- | ||||||||||||
| FIELD SPARROW | === | xxx | xxx | ... | xx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | == | |||||||
| HARRIS’ SPARROW | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | ... | ... | ... | ..x | xxx | xx | xxx | === | ... | |||||
| WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | xxx | |||||||||||
| WHITE-THROATED SPARROW | ### | ### | ### | ### | --- | --- | --- | --# | ### | ## | ### | # - | --- | |||||
| ” | --- | --- | --- | --- | ||||||||||||||
| FOX SPARROW | === | === | === | === | == | == | === | |||||||||||
| LINCOLN’S SPARROW | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xx | xxx | |||||||||||
| SWAMP SPARROW | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ||||||||
| SONG SPARROW | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | ... | ... | ... | .xx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | .. | ... | ||
| MCCOWN’S LONGSPUR | === | === | === | === | === | === | --- | |||||||||||
| LAPLAND LONGSPUR | xxx | xxx | xxx | xxx | === | === | xxx | xx | xx | xxx | === | === | ||||||
| SMITH’S LONGSPUR | --- | ... | ... | --- | ... | --- | --- | |||||||||||
| CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR | ### | ### | ### | xxx | ## | ### | ### | ### | ### | ### | == | |||||||
| SNOW BUNTING | ### | === | === | ### | ### | ### | ### | ## | ### |
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Also Available
A Birder’s Guide to
Southeastern Arizona
A Birder’s Guide to
Southern California
A Birder’s Guide to
Eastern Colorado
A Birder’s Guide to
the Rio Grande Valley of Texas
A Birder’s Guide to
the Texas Coast
Order from:
L & P Press
Box 21604
Denver, CO 80221