The best birding spot is Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge. This large refuge (about 19,000 acres), following the Des Lacs River Valley, extends from the Canadian border to a point about eight miles south of Kenmare. The river valley contains both open-water lakes and marshlands. Bordering the valley is mixed-grass prairie punctuated by numerous wooded coolees (trenchlike wooded ravines).
Because this refuge is so large, it is here divided into three routes which cover most of the better areas. Caution: After heavy rain all of these routes can be almost impassable.
Route #1) Tasker’s Coulee and Refuge Headquarters. This trip begins in Kenmare. From U.S. Highway 52 go west on Highway 2 (6th Street Northeast). When it swings right after 1.1 miles, continue straight on County Road #1 (south). At this point you have been transecting part of the lake. Watch for Western and Eared Grebes. After 0.4 mile turn left to the headquarters for a checklist, map, and current information on road conditions. The wooded area surrounding the buildings may provide good birding, especially during migration. In summer look for Black-billed Cuckoo, Great Horned Owl, Common Flicker, Eastern and Western Kingbirds (margins), Eastern Pewee, Least Flycatcher, House Wren, Brown Thrasher, Gray Catbird, Cedar Waxwing, Warbling Vireo, Yellow Warbler, Orchard Oriole, and American Goldfinch (margins).
To reach Tasker’s Coulee return to County Road #1 and continue south. Bear left on County Road #1A as it heads up the hill. About 1.7 miles past the turn-off to the headquarters, turn left at the sign saying “Recreation Area”. After 0.5 mile you will descend into Tasker’s Coulee Recreation Area.
This coulee is well wooded with American elm, green ash, box elder, aspen, and several kinds of shrubs—including wild plum.
Many species of birds nest here with a great many more stopping during migration. Among the nesting species are Cooper’s Hawk, Black-billed Cuckoo, Great Horned and Long-eared Owls, Common Flicker, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Kingbird, Eastern Phoebe, Willow (borders) and Least Flycatchers, House Wren, Brown Thrasher, Gray Catbird, Veery, Red-eyed and Warbling Vireos, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Black-and-white and Yellow Warblers, Northern Oriole, American Goldfinch, Rufous-sided Towhee (spotted race), and Clay-colored Sparrow.
Route #2) The Old Lake Road. The starting point for this tour is along County Road #1A at the turn-off to Tasker’s Coulee. Continue from the turn-off for 2.0 miles and turn left on Ward County Road #4. After 2.8 miles swing to the left. After 6.1 miles on County Road #4 turn left on Highway 52. Turn left again (0.5 mile) on a dirt road marked by a refuge sign. This will take you along the lake back to Kenmare. It makes for excellent birding because the lake with its reedy border will be on your left, while to your right are grassy hillsides peppered with several shrubby thickets. In the latter habitat watch for Swainson’s Hawk, Eastern Kingbird, Willow Flycatcher, Brown Thrasher, Gray Catbird, and Clay-colored Sparrow.
The lake itself is especially good for grebes (Western Grebe should be easy.); American White Pelican; Double-crested Cormorant; ducks and geese; Black, Forster’s, and Common Terns; and Ring-billed, Franklin’s, Herring, California, and Bonaparte’s Gulls (the latter three occur only as uncommon migrants or summer visitors). Large numbers of shorebirds feed along the open shore or on mudflats during spring migration and from July to October. Some of the shorebirds to be seen are Semipalmated Plover; Killdeer; Ruddy Turnstone (rare); Lesser Golden Plover (uncommon to rare); Willet; Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs; Spotted, Solitary, Pectoral, White-rumped (uncommon), Baird’s, Least, Stilt, and Semipalmated Sandpipers; Long-billed Dowitcher; Marbled Godwit; American Avocet; and Wilson’s and Northern Phalaropes. The reedy borders of the lake should be watched for Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, American Bittern, Virginia Rail, and Sora. Check the reeds for Marsh Wren and the taller grass closer to the road for Sedge Wren.
Go 2.0 miles to a small bridge under which dozens of Cliff Swallows nest. All of the other swallow species found in the state can be seen along this road. After 7.2 miles you will come out on Central Avenue.
Route #3) Boating Area Road and Sharp-tailed Grouse Photo Blind. This tour begins at Highways 52 and 2 (6th Street Northeast) in Kenmare. Turn west on Highway 2. Drive 1.0 mile and turn right (west) on Ward County Road #2. The grassy marsh on your left can be excellent for bitterns, rails, swallows, and Black Terns. After 0.7 mile turn right on a gravel road going north. Cross the railroad tracks, pull over to the side, and walk the meadow to your right. This area has been good in the past for Le Conte’s and Sharp-tailed Sparrows. Watch also for Willow Flycatcher, Common Yellowthroat, Bobolink, and Savannah Sparrow.