1. Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Every year, massive flocks of ducks, geese, and other migratory water birds spend time at the Sand Lake Wildlife Refuge as part of their migratory flight. The refuge is well known among bird watchers who visit to see the over 1 million birds that flock to this site. Aside from this phenomenon which provides a unique opportunity to see several flocking water birds, there are also several nesting birds in this part of North Dakota. The Sand Lake National Refuge is a bird-watching spot you can visit for free any time of the year. It is open every weekday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. It has a 15-mile route that circles areas of open water and marshland. Accessibility to the driving routes often depends on the weather at the time of your visit.
Common Birds At the Sand Lake National Wildlife refuge
White Faced IbisLittle Blue HeronGreat Egret Cattle EgretPied-billed GrebeDouble-crested CormorantAmerican BitternAmerican White Pelican, Wilson’s PhalaropeBlack-crowned Night-HeronAmerican Avocet
2. Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge
The Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge is another pristine location for birdwatchers. It has a diverse habitat which includes 4700 acres of prairie lake, woodlands as well as grasslands. There are at least 200 documented bird species in this location. Given such an array of habitats, it’s easy to see why this refuge hosts such a diverse population of birds. This national refuge is open for free every day of the week from sunrise to sunset. However, it may be closed on some days, especially during the hunting season, as part of efforts to protect the bird population. This refuge is a nature hiking trail that takes you through diverse habitats, which includes several ponds and woodlands. The trail ends at Owens Bay, an open water area home to several bird species.
Common Birds at the Lake Andes National Park
Baltimore OrioleYellow-headed BlackbirdWestern GrebeRed-headed WoodpeckerWillow FlycatcherDickcisselAmerican BitternUpland SandpiperMarsh WrenAmerican White PelicanHorned LarkFranklin’s Gull
3. Oakwood Lakes State Park
Located in South Dakota, the Oakwood Lakes State Park has several glacial lakes and marshlands that naturally attract flocks of migrating water birds. People often visit this park to observe the waterfowl as they pass through the park on their spring migration. At least 20 species of water birds will pass through this park on any given day. In addition to the open water and marshland habitats, there are also grasslands and woodlands, which provide plenty of nesting opportunities. The park is a productive bird-watching site for enthusiasts. The state park is open every day from sunrise to sunset, including during holidays. No entrance fee is required to enter. However, you do have to pay for parking. There are several hiking trails which makes it perfect for those who enjoy spending a lot of time hiking or biking. There’s no detailed map or description of these trails, which means you might have to find your way around them on your own.
Common Birds at the Oakwood Lakes State Park
Yellow-headed BlackbirdGreat Blue HeronWarbling VireoYellow WarblerBaltimore OriolePied-billed GrebeGreat EgretGreen HeronCedar WaxwingRing-Billed GullDouble-Crested CormorantAmerican White Pelican
4. Badlands National Park
The Badlands National Park has some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the entire country, with multi-colored cliffs and other striking landscapes with amazing views. Millions of visitors visit this national park annually because it’s an excellent location for watching birds. Birdwatchers will also find this park a perfect location to visit to catch a glimpse of different bird species. Some of the major hotspots in this location include the Cliff Shelf, Conata Road prairie dog towns, and the woodlands located close to the Sage Creek campground. The Badlands National Park is a paid location. It is open almost every day of the year except on days when it is closed due to extreme weather conditions. Visitors have to pay a token as an entry fee and pay for other services as well.
Common birds at the Badlands National Park
Sharp-tailed GrouseNorthern HarrierUpland SandpiperLong-billed CurlewBurrowing Owl Loggerhead ShrikeHorned LarkGrasshopper SparrowLark BuntingVesper SparrowDickcissel. Wild TurkeyGolden EagleFerruginous HawkWhite-throated SwiftPrairie Falcon
5. Waubay National Wildlife Refuge
Located near the border of South Dakota and Nebraska, this national refuge is 4650 acres of land with several wetlands and aquatic habitats. This park is home to more than 245 different species of birds. In addition to the nesting birds you can find in this location, it is also a great place to observe various water bird species on their seasonal migration. The park is open to the public for free every day from dawn to dusk. It also stays open on national holidays. There are several hiking and driving trails within the Waubay National Wildlife Refuge. In addition to these, you’ll find several backroads that provide great views of Waubay Lake and other potential bird-watching spots you can explore.
Common birds at the Waubay National Wildlife Refuge
Western GrebeGrasshopper SparrowBobolinkRed-bellied WoodpeckerAmerican BitternNorthern HarrierYellow-headed Blackbird.Upland SandpiperFranklin’s GullBlack TernMarbled GodwitForster’s TernWilson’s PhalaropeMarsh Wren
In addition to these South Dakota’s 5 best bird-watching spots, some other notable bird-watching sites you can explore include Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge, Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge, Black Hills/Spearfish Canyon, the Fort Pierre National Grasslands, among others.
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