Kevin J. Zimmer

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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 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. ”

“ 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 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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 ”