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.
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.