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diff --git a/old/53307-8.txt b/old/53307-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index d8cbfc7..0000000 --- a/old/53307-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5356 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's A Birder's Guide to North Dakota, by Kevin J. Zimmer - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: A Birder's Guide to North Dakota - -Author: Kevin J. Zimmer - -Release Date: October 18, 2016 [EBook #53307] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A BIRDER'S GUIDE TO NORTH DAKOTA *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Dave Morgan and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - - Price $5.00 - - - - - A Birder's Guide - to - North Dakota - - - _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._ - - - - - PREFACE - - -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. - - - - - TABLE OF CONTENTS - - - Page - Preface 3 - Introduction 7 - Southeastern North Dakota 15 - Cass, Richland, Sargent, Ransom, Barnes, Stutsman, Kidder, and - Logan Counties - Southwestern North Dakota 33 - Burleigh, Morton, Dunn, Bowman, Slope, and Billings Counties - Northwestern North Dakota 50 - Dunn, McKenzie, McLean, Burke, Mountrail, Ward, and Divide - Counties - Northeastern North Dakota 62 - McHenry, Bottineau, Rolette, Cavalier, Pembina, Walsh, Grand - Forks, Nelson, Benson, and Ramsey Counties - Specialties of North Dakota 80 - Birds of North Dakota 100 - Index 111 - - [Illustration: NORTH DAKOTA (Quarters are shown bounded by County - Lines, Highways, or Rivers)] - - - - - INTRODUCTION - - -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. - - - HABITATS AND TOPOGRAPHIC FEATURES - -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, 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 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. - - - BACKGROUND ON THE BIRDS - -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. - - - WHEN TO COME - -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 have been pushed south by the colder -weather. - - - 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. - - - WHAT TO BRING - -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. - - - PESTS - -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 -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. - - - WHERE TO STAY - -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: - - - Fort Lincoln--all facilities, birding fair - Lake Metigoshe--all facilities, birding excellent - Lake Sakakawea--all facilities, little birding - Turtle River--all facilities, birding good - Beaver Lake--all facilities, birding fair - Butte View--all facilities, little birding - Fort Stevenson--all facilities, little birding - Icelandic--all facilities, birding good - Doyle Memorial--fireplaces, tables, water, little birding - Little Missouri Bay--fireplaces, tables, water, birding good - Streeter Memorial--fireplaces, tables, water, little birding - Sully's Creek--fireplaces, tables, water, birding good - - - SOME RECOMMENDED MATERIALS - - - 1. _Checklist of Birds in North Dakota_--free--Northern Prairie - Wildlife Research Center, Box 1747, Jamestown, ND 58401. (The - center has a wealth of other material.) - 2. _North Dakota Outdoors_--official publication of the State Game and - Fish Department, 2121 Lovett Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505. - Monthly, $2.00 per year. Single copies can be found on - newstands at 25¢. - 3. _Breeding Birds of North Dakota_ (Stewart, 1975) ($18.50 plus - postage)--Tri-College Center for Environmental Studies, North - Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102. An exhaustive - treatise; good section on habitats. - 4. County maps--North Dakota State Highway Department, Capital - Grounds, Bismarck, ND 58501. Expensive but very detailed. - 5. Refuge checklists, brochures, and maps--free--contact each refuge. - Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge--Edmunds, ND 58476 - Audubon National Wildlife Refuge--Coleharbor, ND 58531 - Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge--Kenmare, ND 58746 - J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge--Upham, ND 58789 - Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge--Moffit, ND 58560 - Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge--Lostwood, ND 58754 - Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge--Cayuga, ND 58013 - Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge--Foxholm, ND 58738 - - - FORMAT - -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). - - - NOMENCLATURE - -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 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. - - - American White Pelican (White Pelican) - Great Egret (Common Egret) - Greater White-fronted Goose (White-fronted) - Snow Goose (both Snow and Blue) - American Black Duck (Black Duck) - Common Pintail (Pintail) - Eurasian Wigeon (European) - American Wigeon (Widgeon) - Northern Shoveler (Shoveler) - Black Scoter (Common Scoter) - Red-tailed Hawk (includes Harlan's Hawk) - Northern Harrier (Marsh Hawk) - Merlin (Pigeon Hawk) - American Kestrel (Sparrow Hawk) - Lesser Golden Plover (American Golden Plover) - Upland Sandpiper (Upland Plover) - Red Knot (Knot) - Little Tern (Least Tern) - Common Screech-Owl (Screech Owl) - Common Flicker (combines Gilded, Yellow-shafted, and Red-shafted) - Willow Flycatcher (Traill's, FITZ-bew race) - Alder Flycatcher (Traill's, fee-BEE-o-race) - Eastern Pewee (Eastern Wood Pewee) - Western Pewee (Western Wood Pewee) - American Crow (Common Crow) - Marsh Wren (Long-billed Marsh Wren) - Sedge Wren (Short-billed Marsh Wren) - Gray Catbird (Catbird) - American Robin (Robin) - European Starling (Starling) - Northern Parula (Parula Warbler) - Yellow-rumped Warbler (combines Audubon's and Myrtle) - Common Yellowthroat (Yellowthroat) - Northern Oriole (combines Baltimore and Bullock's) - Northern Cardinal (Cardinal) - Northern Junco (combines Oregon, Slate-colored, and White-winged) - American Tree Sparrow (Tree Sparrow) - - - - - SOUTHEASTERN NORTH DAKOTA - - - [Illustration: 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. - - - a) Cass County - - [Illustration: 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 -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 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. - - [Illustration: 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. - - [Illustration: 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. - - [Illustration: WEST FARGO SEWAGE LAGOON] - - [Illustration: RICHLAND COUNTY] - - - b) 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. - - - c) Sargent County - -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. - - - d) Ransom County - -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. - - - e) Barnes County - - [Illustration: 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. - - [Illustration: 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 -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. - - - f) Stutsman County - -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, 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. - - - g) Kidder County - - [Illustration: 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 -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. - - - h) Logan County - - [Illustration: 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. - - - - - SOUTHWESTERN NORTH DAKOTA - - - [Illustration: 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. - - [Illustration: 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. - - - a) Burleigh County - -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 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 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. - - [Illustration: 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. - - - b) Morton County - -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. - - [Illustration: 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. - - - c) Dunn County - - [Illustration: 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 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. - - - d) Bowman County - - [Illustration: 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). - - [Illustration: 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. - - [Illustration: 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. 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. - - - e) Slope County - -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. - - [Illustration: 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. - - [Illustration: Pine Forest] - - - f) Billings County - -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, -where Prairie Falcons sometimes nest and (if you are lucky) Big-horned -Sheep play around. - - [Illustration: 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. - - [Illustration: 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. - - - - - NORTHWESTERN NORTH DAKOTA - - - [Illustration: 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. - - - a) Dunn County - -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, 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. - - - b) McKenzie County - - [Illustration: 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 -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). - - [Illustration: 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 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. - - - c) McLean County - -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. - - - d) Burke and Mountrail Counties - -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; -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. - - [Illustration: WARD COUNTY] - - - e) 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. - - [Illustration: 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 -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 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. - - [Illustration: 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. - - - f) Divide County - - [Illustration: 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. - - - - - NORTHEASTERN NORTH DAKOTA - - - [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. - - - - - SPECIALTIES OF NORTH DAKOTA - - -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. - - [Illustration: 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 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 -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 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 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 -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, -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, 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 -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. - - - - - BIRDS OF NORTH DAKOTA - - -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." - - [Illustration: Bar-graph Key] - - 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. - - [Illustration: Bar-graph Page 1] - - [Illustration: Bar-graph Page 2] - - [Illustration: Bar-graph Page 3] - - [Illustration: Bar-graph Page 4] - - [Illustration: Bar-graph Page 5] - - [Illustration: Bar-graph Page 6] - - [Illustration: Bar-graph Page 7] - - [Illustration: Bar-graph Page 8] - - [Illustration: Bar-graph Page 9] - - 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 -- xxx xxx --- == === === === == - GOOSE - 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 ### ### ### xxx ## ### ### ### ### ### == - LONGSPUR - SNOW BUNTING ### === === ### ### ### ### ## ### - - - - - INDEX - - - A - Alkaline Lake, 31 - Antelope, 59 - Arrowwood Refuge, 29 - Audubon Refuge, 53 - Avocet, 21, 30, 31, 34, 40, 54, 55, 58, 70, 75, 86, 104 - - - B - Baldhill Dam, 26 - Beaver Lake, 32 - Bittern, Am, 30, 32, 34, 35, 40, 44, 54, 55, 60, 63, 101 - Least, 25, 101 - Blackbird, Brewer's, 35, 40, 58, 60, 64, 79, 95, 108 - Red-wg, 35, 40, 44, 55, 60, 63, 70, 75, 108 - Rusty, 19, 64, 77, 95, 108 - Yellow-hd, 25, 30, 32, 35, 40, 44, 54, 55, 60, 63, 70, 75, 94, - 108 - Bluebird, Eastern, 28, 29, 35, 92, 106 - Mountain, 34, 49, 51, 52, 53, 64, 92, 106 - Bobolink, 16, 25, 30, 35, 37, 41, 54, 55, 58, 60, 65, 78, 94, 108 - Bunting, Indigo, 17, 28, 35, 71, 76, 96, 108 - Lark, 25, 30, 35, 39, 42, 44, 54, 55, 65, 97, 109 - Lazuli, 34, 35, 37, 46, 47, 48, 51, 96, 108 - Snow, 19, 21, 69, 77, 99, 109 - Burning Coal Vein, 45 - - - C - Cardinal, 14, 17, 18, 95, 108 - Catbird, 14, 17, 35, 41, 47, 48, 51, 57, 60, 65, 67, 71, 76, 91, - 106 - Chase Lake, 29 - Chat, 35, 37, 47, 48, 51, 108 - Chickadee, Black-cp, 17, 18, 35, 36, 47, 48, 49, 51, 52, 65, 67, - 69, 71, 76, 91, 106 - Boreal, 69 - Clausen Springs, 29 - Columnar Juniper, 45 - Coot, 30, 34, 35, 40, 44, 55, 60, 63, 70, 75, 103 - Cormorant, 21, 24, 26, 29, 31, 32, 34, 39, 41, 54, 55, 57, 60, 63, - 68, 75, 79, 101 - County, Barnes, 26 - Benson, 79 - Billings, 46 - Bottineau, 66 - Bowman, 40 - Burke, 54 - Burleigh, 34 - Cass, 16 - Cavalier, 70 - Divide, 61 - Dunn, 39, 51 - Grand Forks, 73 - Kidder, 31 - Logan, 32 - McHenry, 63 - McKenzie, 51 - McLean, 53 - Morton, 36 - Mountrail, 54 - Pembina, 70 - Ramsey, 79 - Ransom, 25 - Richland, 24 - Rolette, 68 - Sargent, 24 - Slope, 44 - Walsh, 72 - Ward, 55, 56 - Cowbird, 35, 46, 64, 65, 108 - Coyote, 53 - Crane, Sandhill, 27, 34, 39, 53, 64, 84, 103 - Whooping, 34, 39, 53, 84, 103 - Creeper, 18, 35, 64, 69, 77, 106 - Crossbill, Red, 17, 18, 38, 69, 77, 97, 108 - White-wg, 17, 18, 69, 77, 97, 108 - Crow, 14, 17, 18, 35, 46, 47, 48, 52, 64, 65, 67, 71, 76, 106 - Cuckoo, Black-bl, 17, 35, 41, 54, 57, 64, 67, 71, 76, 87, 104 - Curlew, 34, 42, 43, 85, 103 - - - D - Deer, Mule, 49, 53 - White-tl, 79 - Des Lacs Refuge, 56 - Devil's Lake, 79 - Dickcissel, 20, 25, 28, 30, 33, 35, 37, 41, 54, 65, 96, 108 - Dove, 17, 46, 64, 69, 77, 104 - Dowitcher, Long-bl, 21, 31, 58, 70, 75, 86, 104 - Short-bl, 21, 31, 70, 75, 86, 104 - Duck, Black, 14, 25, 75, 101 - Bufflehead, 22, 34, 54, 67, 75, 102 - Canvasback, 22, 30, 34, 54, 75, 102 - Gadwall, 22, 30, 34, 35, 40, 54, 75, 101 - Goldeneye, 22, 27, 34, 53, 67, 75, 102 - Mallard, 22, 30, 34, 35, 40, 54, 75, 101 - Pintail, 14, 22, 30, 34, 35, 40, 54, 75, 101 - Redhead, 22, 30, 34, 54, 75, 101 - Ring-nk, 22, 30, 34, 67, 75, 102 - Ruddy, 22, 30, 34, 35, 40, 54, 102 - Shoveler, 14, 22, 30, 34, 40, 54, 75, 101 - Wigeon, 14, 22, 30, 34, 40, 54, 75, 101 - Wood, 16, 17, 18, 22, 28, 30, 64, 75, 81, 101 - Dunlin, 21, 31, 70, 75, 85, 86, 104 - - - E - Eagle, Bald, 34, 49, 53, 83, 102 - Golden, 34, 43, 49, 52, 53, 82, 102 - Egret, Cattle, 25, 79, 101 - Common, 14 - Great, 14, 25, 75, 79, 101 - Snowy, 25, 101 - - - F - Falcon, Peregrine, 19, 34, 53, 102 - Prairie, 34, 43, 46, 47, 49, 52, 83, 102 - Fargo, 16 - Ferret, 43 - Finch, Purple, 18, 35, 36, 38, 49, 64, 69, 77, 108 - Flicker, 14, 17, 18, 35, 36, 46, 47, 48, 51, 57, 64, 69, 71, 76, - 88, 105 - Flycatcher, Acadian, 16 - Alder, 14, 90, 105 - Gt Crested, 17, 28, 29, 35, 47, 57, 60, 64, 67, 71, 76, 90, - 105 - Least, 17, 28, 29, 35, 47, 57, 60, 64, 67, 71, 76, 90, 105 - Olive-sided, 16, 64, 77, 105 - Traill's, 14 - Willow, 14, 29, 47, 48, 51, 55, 57, 58, 60, 64, 67, 71, 76, - 89, 105 - Yellow-bl, 89, 105 - - - G - Gnatcatcher, 34 - Godwit, Hudsonian, 22, 28, 34, 70, 75, 76, 86, 104 - Marbled, 21, 22, 25, 28, 30, 40, 41, 54, 58, 59, 65, 70, 75, - 76, 85, 104 - Goldfinch, 18, 19, 35, 36, 37, 41, 53, 57, 64, 67, 69, 71, 75, 76, - 108 - Goose, Canada, 21, 22, 28, 34, 54, 75, 101 - Snow, 14, 21, 22, 24, 28, 54, 75, 79, 101 - White-fr, 14, 21, 22, 34, 53, 54, 75, 81, 101 - Goshawk, 9, 49, 52, 77, 82, 102 - Grackle, 35, 64, 76, 95, 108 - Grebe, Eared, 22, 24, 29, 31, 34, 35, 40, 54, 57, 60, 63, 70, 75, - 81, 101 - Horned, 22, 29, 34, 40, 54, 60, 63, 75, 81, 101 - Pied-bl, 22, 24, 29, 34, 35, 40, 54, 60, 63, 70, 101 - Red-nk, 21, 40, 60, 63, 67, 81, 101 - Western, 24, 28, 29, 31, 34, 39, 40, 54, 56, 57, 60, 63, 75, - 78, 79, 81, 101 - Grosbeak, Black-hd, 33, 34, 35, 37, 47, 48, 51, 96, 108 - Blue, 34, 96, 108 - Evening, 17, 18, 38, 49, 52, 69, 96, 108 - Pine, 17, 18, 38, 69, 77, 96, 108 - Rose-br, 17, 28, 29, 65, 67, 71, 76, 77, 95, 108 - Grouse, Ruffed, 67, 69, 71, 83, 103 - Sage, 34, 42, 43, 44, 83, 103 - Sharp-tl, 30, 34, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 47, 48, 49, 52, 54, 55, - 58, 64, 65, 69, 73, 74, 76, 77, 83, 103 - Gull, Bonaparte, 21, 34, 57, 75, 78, 87, 104 - Calif, 29, 31, 34, 41, 44, 53, 54, 55, 57, 61, 87, 104 - Franklin's, 21, 28, 34, 41, 54, 55, 57, 63, 70, 78, 79, 87, - 104 - Herring, 34, 57, 75, 104 - Ring-bl, 27, 34, 41, 54, 55, 57, 61, 63, 70, 78, 104 - Gunlogson Arboretum, 71 - Gyrfalcon, 9, 102 - - - H - Haley Dam, 28 - Harrier, 14, 19, 22, 30, 34, 39, 42, 43, 44, 54, 55, 63, 65, 102 - Hawk, Broad-wg, 67, 71, 76, 82, 102 - Cooper's, 57, 67, 71, 76, 102 - Ferruginous, 19, 34, 37, 42, 43, 49, 52, 54, 82, 102 - Harlan's, 14 - Marsh, 14 - Pigeon, 14 - Red-tl, 14, 19, 34, 35, 55, 64, 65, 67, 71, 76, 102 - Rough-lg, 19, 49, 52, 82, 102 - Sharp-shn, 46, 76, 102 - Sparrow, 14 - Swainson's, 19, 30, 34, 37, 39, 42, 43, 49, 50, 52, 54, 55, - 64, 65, 82, 102 - Heron, Gt Blue, 32, 39, 40, 41, 55, 58, 60, 63, 68, 70, 79, 101 - Green, 28, 70, 79, 101 - Lt Blue, 25 - Night, 27, 28, 30, 32, 34, 39, 40, 55, 58, 60, 63, 70, 79, 101 - Hobart Lake, 28 - Hummingbird, 67, 71, 76, 88, 105 - - - I - Ibis, White-f, 25, 101 - Icelandic Park, 71 - - - J - Jackrabbit, 49 - Jay, Blue, 17, 18, 35, 36, 47, 48, 67, 69, 71, 76, 90, 105 - Gray, 69 - Junco, Northern, 14, 18, 35, 36, 77, 109 - Oregon, 14 - Slate-cl, 14 - White-wg, 14 - - - K - Kelly's Pasture, 74 - Slough, 75 - Kenmare, 56 - Kestrel, 14, 35, 52, 64, 102 - Killdeer, 21, 34, 40, 58, 70, 103 - Kingbird, Eastern, 27, 28, 30, 34, 39, 40, 41, 47, 54, 55, 57, 60, - 64, 65, 89, 105 - Western, 16, 20, 27, 28, 29, 30, 34, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 54, - 55, 57, 64, 65, 89, 105 - Kingfisher, 18, 29, 40, 47, 55, 64, 71, 76, 105 - Kinglet, Golden-cr, 35, 38, 64, 77, 106 - Ruby-cr, 35, 64, 77, 106 - Knot, 14, 21, 85, 86, 103 - - - L - Lac Aux Mortes Refuge, 79 - Lake Alice, 79 - Lake Ardoch, 72 - Lake Ashtabula, 25 - Lake Ilo Refuge, 39 - Lake Metigoshe Park, 66 - Lark, Horned, 19, 39, 43, 44, 49, 52, 59, 65, 69, 77, 105 - Lindenwood Park, 16 - Little Missouri Park, 50 - Little Yellowstone Park, 25 - Long Lake Refuge, 34 - Longspur, Chestnut-col, 19, 21, 25, 30, 31, 35, 39, 40, 41, 42, - 43, 44, 49, 52, 54, 55, 59, 61, 75, 76, 99, 109 - Lapland, 19, 21, 34, 65, 75, 77, 99, 109 - McCown's, 34, 41, 42, 43, 49, 61, 99, 109 - Smith's, 9, 19, 21, 65, 99, 109 - Longspur Pasture, 58 - Loon, Com, 22, 39, 67, 68, 75, 80, 101 - Red-th, 75 - Lostwood Refuge, 54, 56 - - - M - Martin, 27, 63, 105 - Magpie, 30, 34, 35, 36, 46, 48, 49, 51, 52, 53, 64, 69, 77, 91, - 106 - McKenzie Slough, 35 - Meadowlark, Western, 35, 43, 52, 53, 54, 55, 59, 65, 74, 77, 94, - 108 - Mickelson Field, 17 - Merganser, Com, 22, 27, 34, 54, 75, 102 - Hooded, 22, 34, 64, 75, 82, 102 - Red-br, 22, 34, 54, 75, 102 - Merlin, 14, 42, 46, 102 - Mockingbird, 106 - Moose, 70 - - - N - Nighthawk, 18, 43, 51, 64, 76, 105 - Night-heron, 27, 28, 30, 32, 34, 39, 40, 55, 58, 60, 63, 70, 79, - 101 - Northern Gt Plains Sta, 38 - No. Fargo Sewer, 20 - North Unit R M, 51 - Nutcracker, 34, 49 - Nuthatch, Red-br, 18, 35, 46, 49, 64, 69, 77, 106 - White-br, 17, 18, 35, 36, 47, 49, 52, 65, 67, 69, 71, 76, 106 - - - O - Oak Grove Park, 17 - Oldsquaw, 21, 32, 75, 78, 102 - Oriole, Baltimore, 14, 95 - Bullock's, 14, 47, 48, 95 - Northern, 14, 17, 28, 35, 37, 47, 48, 57, 60, 65, 67, 71, 76, - 95, 108 - Orchard, 29, 35, 37, 41, 57, 94, 108 - Osprey, 102 - Ovenbird, 35, 47, 48, 51, 64, 67, 71, 77, 94, 107 - Owl, Barred, 24, 77, 88, 104 - Boreal, 9, 69, 71 - Burrowing, 31, 34, 41, 43, 44, 48, 53, 54, 59, 88, 104 - Great Gray, 9, 69, 71 - Great Horned, 17, 18, 25, 35, 49, 52, 57, 64, 69, 71, 76, 104 - Hawk, 9, 69, 71 - Long-eared, 30, 38, 57, 64, 69, 104 - Saw-whet, 69, 71, 88, 105 - Screech, 14, 17, 25, 64, 67, 76, 104 - Short-eared, 19, 25, 34, 41, 52, 53, 55, 63, 64, 69, 77, 88, - 104 - Snowy, 9, 19, 52, 69, 77, 88, 104 - - - P - Parks, Beaver Lake, 32 - Fort Lincoln, 37 - General Sibley, 36 - Icelandic, 71 - Lake Metigoshe, 66 - Lindenwood, 16 - Little Missouri, 50 - Little Yellowstone, 25 - Oak Grove, 17 - Roosevelt, 47, 51 - Sully's Creek, 46 - Turtle River, 76 - Partridge, Gray, 19, 25, 30, 34, 37, 41, 42, 47, 52, 54, 55, 59, - 64, 69, 74, 75, 77, 84, 103 - Pelican-Sandy Lakes, 67 - Pelican, 14, 24, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 34, 39, 41, 54, 57, 60, 63, - 68, 75, 78, 79, 101 - Pembina Hills, 70 - Pewee, Eastern, 14, 17, 28, 29, 57, 60, 65, 67, 71, 76, 90, 105 - Western, 14, 34, 44, 47, 48, 51, 90, 105 - Phalarope, Northern, 21, 31, 58, 70, 75, 86, 104 - Wilson's, 21, 22, 30, 31, 34, 40, 44, 54, 58, 70, 75, 86, 104 - Pheasant, 27, 30, 39, 49, 52, 54, 64, 83, 103 - Phoebe, Eastern, 16, 57, 65, 105 - Say's, 34, 37, 42, 44, 46, 49, 51, 52, 64, 90, 105 - Pipit, Sprague's, 9, 21, 30, 31, 34, 41, 54, 59, 61, 65, 76, 92, - 106 - Water, 21, 106 - Plover, Black-bl, 20, 21, 34, 70, 75, 86, 103 - Golden, 14, 20, 21, 34, 58, 70, 75, 76, 84, 86, 103 - Mountain, 34, 43 - Piping, 31, 34, 36, 37, 54, 78, 84, 103 - Semipalmated, 21, 31, 34, 57, 70, 75, 86, 103 - Upland, 14 - Poor-will, 34, 46, 49, 88, 105 - Prairie Chicken, 73, 103 - Prairie Dog, 43, 48 - - - R - Rail, King, 25, 103 - Sora, 21, 25, 28, 30, 32, 34, 35, 40, 44, 54, 55, 58, 60, 63, - 103 - Virginia, 25, 28, 30, 32, 34, 40, 54, 55, 58, 60, 63, 103 - Yellow, 9, 63, 64, 84, 103 - Raven, 69, 71, 106 - Redpoll, Com, 19, 49, 52, 53, 69, 75, 77, 97, 108 - Hoary, 9, 19, 69, 77, 97, 108 - Redstart, 35, 47, 48, 51, 65, 67, 71, 77, 107 - Refuges, Arrowwood, 13, 29 - Audubon, 13, 53 - Des Lacs, 13, 56 - Lac Aux Mortes, 79 - Lake Alice, 79 - Lake Ilo, 39 - Long Lake, 13, 15 - Lostwood, 13, 54, 56 - Rose Lake, 78 - Salyer, 13, 63 - Snake Creek, 53 - Stewart Lake, 44 - Stump Lake, 78 - Tewaukon, 13, 24 - Tongue River, 70 - Upper Souris, 13, 56, 60 - Wakopa, 68 - Willow Lake, 68 - Rhame, 42 - Rivers, James, 15 - Little Heart, 37 - Missouri, 35 - Red, 16, 72 - Sheyenne, 15, 24 - Souris, 63 - Tongue, 70 - Wild Rice, 24 - Riverside Cemetery, 17 - Robin, 35, 49, 65, 71, 76, 106 - Roosevelt Memorial, 47, 51 - Rose Lake Refuge, 78 - Rosy Finch, 34, 49, 97, 108 - Rush Lake, 70 - - - S - Salt Alkaline Lake, 31 - Salyer Refuge, 63 - Sanborne, 28 - Sanderling, 31, 34, 70, 75, 86, 104 - Sandpiper, Baird's, 21, 28, 34, 58, 70, 75, 85, 86, 103 - Buff-br, 20, 75, 76, 85, 86, 104 - Least, 21, 34, 58, 70, 75, 86, 103 - Pectoral, 21, 31, 34, 58, 70, 75, 86, 103 - Semipalmated, 21, 34, 58, 70, 75, 86, 104 - Spotted, 17, 18, 21, 28, 34, 40, 44, 58, 70, 75, 103 - Solitary, 21, 34, 58, 70, 75, 86, 103 - Stilt, 21, 31, 34, 58, 70, 75, 86, 104 - Upland, 14, 25, 30, 34, 44, 54, 73, 74, 75, 76, 85, 103 - Western, 21, 70, 85, 86, 104 - White-rp, 21, 34, 58, 70, 75, 85, 86, 103 - Sandy Lake, 67 - Sapsucker, 67, 71, 76, 105 - Scaup, Greater, 21, 22, 75, 102 - Lesser, 22, 30, 54, 75, 102 - Scoter, Com, 14 - Black, 14, 32, 102 - White-wg, 21, 32, 34, 75, 78, 82, 102 - Screech-owl, 14, 18, 25, 64, 67, 76, 104 - Sewerage Lagoons, 20, 23 - Sheep, Big horned, 47 - Shrike, Loggerhead, 30, 35, 42, 43, 44, 52, 55, 65, 106 - Northern, 19, 49, 52, 75, 93, 106 - Sibley Island, 36 - Siskin, 17, 18, 75, 108 - Slade Refuge, 31 - Snipe, 21, 22, 70, 75, 103 - Solitaire, 34, 38, 49, 92, 106 - South Unit R M, 47 - Sparrow, Baird's, 9, 30, 31, 35, 40, 41, 44, 54, 55, 58, 61, 65, - 97, 109 - Brewer's, 34, 42, 98, 109 - Chipping, 17, 35, 46, 47, 48, 65, 67, 71, 76, 109 - Clay-col, 16, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 35, 41, 54, 55, 57, 60, 64, - 65, 73, 76, 98, 109 - Field, 19, 25, 35, 47, 49, 51, 52, 53, 98, 109 - Fox, 35, 64, 77, 109 - Grasshopper, 25, 28, 30, 35, 37, 39, 41, 44, 49, 52, 54, 55, - 59, 65, 73, 78, 109 - Harris, 17, 19, 25, 28, 32, 34, 35, 53, 64, 77, 99, 109 - House, 69, 108 - Lark, 39, 42, 44, 46, 49, 52, 64, 109 - Le Conte's, 25, 28, 30, 34, 54, 55, 58, 60, 63, 64, 70, 78, - 79, 98, 109 - Lincoln's, 19, 25, 28, 35, 64, 77, 109 - Savannah, 16, 19, 20, 30, 40, 41, 54, 55, 58, 59, 65, 78, 109 - Sharp-tl, 25, 28, 30, 34, 54, 55, 58, 60, 63, 64, 70, 78, 79, - 98, 109 - Song, 17, 28, 29, 35, 40, 60, 64, 67, 71, 76, 109 - Swamp, 25, 77, 99, 109 - Tree, 14, 19, 25, 36, 49, 52, 53, 77, 98, 109 - Vesper, 19, 41, 42, 54, 55, 64, 65, 109 - White-cr, 25, 28, 35, 64, 77, 109 - White-th, 18, 19, 25, 28, 35, 64, 67, 77, 109 - Starling, 14, 69, 106 - Stewart Lake, 44 - Stump Lake, 78 - Sully's Creek, 46 - Swallow, Bank, 26, 27, 63, 105 - Barn, 26, 27, 40, 63, 105 - Cliff, 26, 27, 40, 42, 44, 63, 105 - Rough-wg, 26, 27, 63, 105 - Tree, 26, 27, 40, 63, 105 - Swan, 22, 28, 34, 75, 81, 101 - Swift, 18, 88, 105 - - - T - Tanager, 24, 35, 71, 76, 98, 108 - Tasker's Coulee, 57 - Teal, Blue-wg, 22, 30, 34, 35, 40, 44, 54, 75, 101 - Cinnamon, 30, 34, 81, 101 - Green-wg, 22, 30, 34, 54, 75, 101 - Tern, Black, 21, 26, 30, 32, 34, 40, 41, 44, 54, 55, 57, 58, 63, - 70, 75, 104 - Caspian, 104 - Common, 34, 54, 55, 57, 63, 70, 87, 104 - Forster's, 26, 32, 34, 55, 57, 63, 70, 87, 104 - Least, 14, 37 - Little, 14, 36, 87, 104 - Tewaukon Refuge, 24 - Thrasher, Brown, 17, 35, 41, 46, 47, 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 65, 67, - 71, 76, 91, 106 - Sage, 34, 42, 106 - Thrush, Gray-ck, 35, 64, 77, 92, 106 - Hermit, 35, 64, 77, 106 - Swainson's, 35, 64, 77, 106 - Wood, 16, 106 - Tongue River Refuge, 70 - Towhee, 35, 41, 46, 47, 48, 49, 51, 52, 57, 64, 67, 77, 108 - Turkey, 27, 35, 46, 53, 84, 103 - Turnstone, 21, 31, 34, 58, 70, 75, 76, 84, 86, 103 - Turtle Mtns, 66 - River, 76 - - - U - Upper Souris Refuge, 56, 60 - - - V - Veery, 35, 37, 57, 67, 71, 77, 106 - Vireo, Bell's, 35, 93, 105 - Philadelphia, 16, 67, 77, 93, 107 - Red-eyed, 17, 35, 47, 48, 51, 57, 65, 67, 71, 76, 93, 107 - Solitary, 77, 107 - Warbling, 17, 35, 47, 48, 51, 57, 65, 67, 71, 76, 107 - Yellow-th, 17, 65, 67, 71, 76, 77, 93, 107 - Vulture, 37, 43, 102 - - - W - Warbler, Audubon's, 14, 45 - Bay-br, 16, 64, 107 - Blackburnian, 71, 77, 107 - Black-th Blue, 107 - Black-th Green, 71, 77, 107 - Blackpoll, 35, 64, 77, 107 - Black-and-white, 35, 47, 48, 51, 64, 65, 67, 71, 77, 107 - Canada, 77, 107 - Cape May, 16, 71, 77, 107 - Cerulean, 107 - Chestnut-sided, 67, 71, 77, 94, 107 - Conn, 9, 16, 71, 77, 107 - Golden-wg, 107 - MacGillivray's, 107 - Magnolia, 35, 71, 77, 107 - Mourning, 64, 67, 71, 77, 94, 107 - Nashville, 77, 107 - Orange-cr, 16, 35, 64, 77, 107 - Palm, 35, 77, 107 - Parula, 14, 25, 107 - Prothonotary, 107 - Tenn, 35, 64, 77, 107 - Wilson's, 35, 64, 77, 107 - Yellow, 17, 28, 29, 35, 41, 47, 48, 57, 60, 65, 67, 71, 76, - 107 - Yellow-rumped, 14, 35, 45, 64, 77, 107 - Waterthrush, 35, 64, 67, 71, 77, 94, 107 - Waxwing, Bohemian, 9, 17, 18, 38, 49, 52, 64, 69, 77, 92, 106 - Cedar, 17, 18, 28, 35, 37, 38, 47, 49, 52, 57, 60, 65, 69, 76, - 106 - Westby, 61 - West Fargo, 22 - Whip-poor-will, 105 - Wigeon, European, 9, 14 - Willet, 21, 25, 30, 31, 34, 40, 54, 58, 70, 75, 85, 103 - Willow Lake Refuge, 68 - Woodcock, 103 - Woodpecker, Downy, 17, 18, 35, 36, 47, 49, 51, 105 - Hairy, 17, 18, 35, 36, 47, 49, 52, 64, 67, 69, 71, 76, 105 - Lewis', 34, 105 - Pileated, 17, 18, 24, 89, 105 - Red-bl, 105 - Red-hd, 17, 35, 76, 89, 105 - Three-toed, 9 - Wren, House, 29, 35, 46, 47, 57, 65, 67, 71, 76, 106 - Long-bl, 14 - Marsh, 14, 25, 28, 30, 32, 34, 35, 40, 44, 54, 55, 58, 60, 63, - 70, 72, 73, 75, 78, 79, 106 - Rock, 37, 42, 49, 52, 91, 106 - Sedge, 14, 25, 30, 34, 37, 55, 58, 60, 63, 64, 70, 72, 73, 75, - 76, 78, 79, 91, 106 - Short-bl, 14 - Winter, 106 - - - Y - Yellowlegs, 28, 31, 34, 58, 70, 75, 86, 103 - Yellowthroat, 14, 32, 35, 40, 44, 58, 60, 63, 70, 107 - - - 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 - - - - - Transcriber's Notes - - ---Retained publication information from the printed edition: this eBook - is public-domain in the country of publication. - ---Corrected a few palpable typographical errors and invalid index - entries. - ---Transcribed the bar charts for the text versions. - ---In the text versions only, text in italics is delimited by - _underscores_. - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Birder's Guide to North Dakota, by -Kevin J. 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