From the standpoint of habitat and fewer people, the birding is usually better at the arboretum, but Icelandic State Park is good for migrants. To reach it continue west on Highway 5 for 0.4 mile and turn right (north) at the sign.
The Pembina Hills are good also for all of the regular winter species plus an occasional northern stray such as Northern Raven; Hawk, Great Gray, Boreal, and Saw-whet Owls; Northern Shrike; and Gray Jay. Many of the roads are closed in winter. Care should be exercised when driving-conditions are not known.
Gunlogson Arboretum
f) [Walsh] County
Although the northeastern sector is loaded with marshlands, there are not many along the highly agricultural Red River Valley, which has been extensively cleared of forests and drained. A few good spots remain. One is Lake Ardoch, which can be reached by starting at U.S. Highway 81 on the northern edge of Minto and going east on County Road #15 toward Warsaw. After 3.4 miles turn right (south) on a gravel road. (It may not be passable in wet weather.) After 3.8 miles you will see the lake on the right.
Check for grebes, herons, and waterfowl. Walk the marshy areas on the left for Marsh and Sedge Wrens, and Le Conte’s Sparrow. Continue straight for another 2.2 miles and turn right on the paved road. In 0.2 mile a marshy inlet from the lake is on both sides of the road. Check here for migrant shorebirds. Continue for 1.8 miles to the junction with Highway 81, just north of the town of Ardoch.
g) [Grand Forks] County
PRAIRIE CHICKEN AREAS