WEST FARGO SEWAGE LAGOON
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.