Birding Minnesota's Boreal Forests and North Dakota's Prairie Potholes
Trip Description
This trip combines two very different varieties of habitat. You will visit wetlands and boreal forests in northern Minnesota as well as prairie habitats in North Dakota. The very different populations of birds nesting in these regions will result in quite a productive birding trip. Expect to see around 175 different species of birds.
Starting in Minnesota, you will concentrate on finding birds of woodlands, bogs and the shore of Lake Superior. It is in these areas that you will see most of the warblers on this trip, with a very good chance to see Connecticut Warbler.
Halfway through the trip, you will move into North Dakota, where you will find a whole new assortment of species to enjoy. Here you will find plenty of waterfowl, sparrows, birds of grasslands and additional wetland species. While not always easy to find, you have a chance for Baird’s Sparrow, Sprague’s Pipit and Gray Partridge.
Few North American birders have visited these locales during the breeding season, despite their productivity. This trip is a great opportunity to see numerous target species and expand your life list!
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Minneapolis by Mid-afternoon. Birding en route to Duluth.
Day 2: Birding western Lake County, Ely (Echo Trail), and Return to Duluth.
Day 3: Morning birding at Sax-Zim Bog. Afternoon and evening birding in Aitkin County, including
aearch for Yellow Rails at McGregor Marsh after dark.
Day 4: All day birding between Aitkin and Bemidji, including Itasca State Park.
Day 5: Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, prairies east of Fargo, then North Dakota prairie birding.
Days 6 and 7: Based in Jamestown, ND. Birding at Arrowhead National Wildlife Refuge, Horsehead Lake, Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and Alkaline Lake.
Day 8: Morning birding at Sheyenne National Grassland. Departure.
More details about this trip:
Detailed Itinerary
Download our detailed itinerary for our Minnesota & North Dakota tour, or read it below.