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A Birding Mecca

On this date in 1905, the Washburn Leader alerted readers to the presence in North Dakota of what it called “the peculiar loon.” While associated more with forested states to the east like Minnesota, Michigan, and New Hampshire, the loon can also be found in North Dakota. The bird’s haunting and distinctive call can be heard for long distances. They are migratory, living on inland lakes from early spring to late fall or early winter. Shortly before ice begins to form, they migrate to the ocean, where they spend the winter.

North Dakota is known for bison and wild horses, but the state also boasts an impressive variety of birds. The state bird is the western meadowlark. There are bald eagles and golden eagles. Whooping cranes, another migratory species, can be found primarily in the western part of the state. Many other water birds make their homes in North Dakota including a wide variety of gulls and ducks.

The Audubon Society says that North Dakota “may be the most under-rated birding destination in the country.” Even those who live in the state may be unaware of what makes North Dakota so special for birders. North Dakota has parks and refuges that provide habitat for both grassland and wetland birds. A lack of crowds and the ease of automobile travel add to the bird watcher’s experience.

Thanks to several wildlife refuges and the Sheyenne National Grassland, birders can spot many hard to find species, like the greater prairie chicken, the sharp-tailed grouse, and several types of sparrow. The ecosystem on the Missouri River below Garrison Dam boasts over one hundred seventy species, including fourteen types of gulls.

The area around Devils Lake is also a fine destination for birdwatching. The lake itself offers a vital nesting area for many species of waterfowl. White Horse Hill, formerly known as Sully’s Hill, is known as a habitat for bison and elk, but the birds should not be overlooked. Many species can be found in the preserve including night herons, the American white pelican, and the double-crested cormorant.

Anyone driving in North Dakota would be well advised to keep a birding book and a pair of binoculars handy. Even a short, local drive can reveal a treasure trove of birds.     

Dakota Datebook written by Carole Butcher

Sources:

Washburn Leader. “The Peculiar Loon.” 4/8/1905. Washburn ND. Page 3.

Loon Preservation Committee. “About Loons.” https://loon.org/about-the-common-loon/  Accessed 3/10/2018.

Audubon Society. “Birding in North Dakota.” https://www.audubon.org/news/birding-north-dakota   Accessed 3/10/2018.

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