By the time one reaches the badlands on the western edge, it is the eastern birds which are unusual. Here, there is an abundance of western species, including Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, Sage Grouse, Burrowing Owl, the red-shafted race of the Common Flicker, Say’s Phoebe, Black-billed Magpie, Rock Wren, Mountain Bluebird, Lazuli Bunting, Black-headed Grosbeak, the spotted race of the Rufous-sided Towhee, Brewer’s Sparrow, and McCown’s Longspur.
Although the breeding birds may vary considerably from one part of the state to the next, winter species are fairly uniform throughout. Comparatively few birds stick out the North Dakota winters. Extremely cold temperatures, little cover, and little open water combine to make this a somewhat poor state for winter birding. The following species can usually be found: Rough-legged Hawk; Golden Eagle; Sharp-tailed Grouse; Ringnecked Pheasant; Gray Partridge; Great Horned, Snowy, and Short-eared Owls; Mourning Dove; Common Flicker; Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers; Horned Lark; Black-billed Magpie; American Crow; Blue Jay; Black-capped Chickadee; White-breasted and Red-breasted Nuthatches; American Robin; Bohemian and Cedar Waxwings; Northern Shrike; European Starling; House Sparrow; Western Meadowlark; Red-winged and Rusty Blackbirds; Evening and Pine Grosbeaks; Purple Finch; Hoary and Common Redpolls; Pine Siskin; American Goldfinch; Red Crossbill; Northern Junco (slate-colored race); Lapland Longspur; and Snow Bunting.
WHEN TO COME
The seasons are defined by the following dates: Spring—April 1 to May 31, Summer—June 1 to August 15, Fall—August 16 to November 20, and Winter—November 21 to March 31.
Most birders will be interested in breeding populations of marsh and prairie species. For these it would be best to come in June, preferably during the first three weeks.
For migration, the timing depends on specifics. Warblers generally peak about the third week of May and again in mid-September. For waterfowl April and October are probably best. Shorebirds are usually good anytime from late April to late October, but the first two weeks of May and the months of August and September are the most consistent. Shorebirding can be the most productive kind of birding in July and August.
Few people come to North Dakota in winter for the purpose of birding, but perhaps more should. Although not abundant, many of the regular winter birds make good additions to the list. Several northern species that are uncommon over the rest of the United States are often relatively easy to find here. This is also the time when the birder can add the most to our knowledge of North Dakota’s birds. There are relatively few good birders in the state, and many do not get out in winter as often as they should. Who knows? You may turn up something extra good, such as a Gyrfalcon or a Boreal Owl. For the northern owls come after January, when the birds have been pushed south by the colder weather.
WEATHER
North Dakota is a state of extremes when it comes to weather. To say that the winters are cold would be a gross understatement. Wind-chill factors commonly reach 50° below zero. (It is not wise to wander far from your car in such weather. Remember, also, never to sit for any period of time in your parked car with the heater on and the engine idling. Carbon monoxide poisoning takes many lives each year in the upper Midwest.) The winters are long in this part of the country, and just when you think one is over, along comes another March or April blizzard. As a rule the weather in spring and fall is pleasant, but be prepared for cold temperatures at all times. Summer is an altogether different story. Summer temperatures are often in the 80’s and 90’s, and it doesn’t cool off very much at night. Summer days and nights are often rather humid. Combined with the high temperatures, the high humidity can make you feel very uncomfortable.
At times the wind never seems to quit blowing (especially in the winter), and summer storms can come up fast. Remember, North Dakota is one of the states occupying the tornado belt. If violent weather hits, head for shelter immediately. Do not let all of this scare you off; most Dakotans have been easily surviving such weather for years.