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).
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.
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.