Part 5

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

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.

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.