[Illustration: 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.
a) McHenry County
[Illustration: 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 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.
[Illustration: 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.
b) Bottineau County
[Illustration: 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 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.
c) Rolette County
[Illustration: 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.)
[Illustration: 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.
d) Cavalier County
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.
e) Pembina County
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
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.
[Illustration: Gunlogson Arboretum]
f) Walsh County
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.
g) Grand Forks County
[Illustration: 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.
[Illustration: 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,
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 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).
h) Nelson County
[Illustration: 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.
i) Benson County
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.
j) Ramsey County
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.