FM Birders

The riparian zone along the Red River provides a fairly unique opportunity for birders. A long, narrow, contiguous swath of trees and flowing water mark the river’s course along its path toward Lake Winnipeg to our north. While it meanders through a flat, largely agricultural landscape, this thin strip of trees acts as an oasis for many birds. It may not rival the Mississippi or Missouri Rivers in terms of migratory corridors, but it is a relevant one and, at times, a productive one.

Birdable private lands are at a premium in these counties rife with highly cultivated farm acreage. With a few notable exceptions, city parks in Fargo and Moorhead provide arguably the best chance for birders to view migrant and nesting avifauna in town. Know that within these sister cities, the landscape is quickly changing as community leaders address the ongoing flood threat from the Red River.  As a result, birding opportunities are blossoming with the removal of many homes and structures along the river’s course. We will make every attempt to update these birding sites as landscape changes are implemented.

Birds found here are a somewhat curious mix of Eastern passerines, prairie specialties, an occasional Western species, and erratic Northern visitors due to our location near the intersection of major biomes. During any one spring (or fall) as many as 25 warbler species, five vireos, nearly 20 sparrows, up to five thrushes, and numerous other species can be expected. In addition, migrant raptor numbers can be high during appropriate times. In winter the scene can be quite stark with few species present. Still, redpolls, purple finches, a snowy owl or two, and the occasional bohemian waxwing or varied thrush, can provide a seasonal spark.

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Fargo Parks

Moorhead Parks

Out-county sites

The Red River divides the states of North Dakota and Minnesota where their respective counties of Cass and Clay meet. The valley itself was formed over 9,000 years ago with the last retreat of a giant inland body of water known as Lake Agassiz. Left in its wake is many thousands of acres of rich sediment, which today is home to some of the most productive farmland in the country. As a result, the valley floor is heavily cultivated leaving limited birding opportunities. Some locals have gone so far as to label it the “black desert,” referring to the relative scarcity of bird life among the productive black soil.

Along Lake Agassiz’s prehistoric beaches, however, there remain patches of pasture or grassland (some preserved as parks or natural areas, particularly in Clay County) harboring a fairly rich variety of upland and wetland nesting birds, including such species as chestnut-collared longspur, marbled godwit, northern shrike, and Wilson’s phalarope. These ridges can be found by traveling either east or west for about 15 miles from Fargo-Moorhead. You’ll know you are there when cropland stops and grassland or pasture begins. In addition, a fairly large wetland complex (Alice area of Cass County) continues to provide habitat for nesting western and red-necked grebes, least bitterns, and a multitude of waterfowl.

In very general terms, local birding is carried out as follows. First is spring and fall migration along the riparian zones, mostly the Red River itself. Passerine and raptor movements can be rewarding in these areas during those times of the year (refer to Fargo-Moorhead metro area). During summer and even winter, however, the outlying uplands mentioned above are the go-to spots. Nesting grassland species, waterfowl species, and raptors garner attention. Winter means a search for snowy owls, rough-legged hawks, golden eagles, thousands of snow buntings, or some northern rarity (refer to outlying Cass and Clay counties). In town, winter is mostly an exercise in watching feeders or fruit trees.

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Rural Cass County

Rural Clay County

Photo credits: Black-capped chickadee and Rough-legged hawk-Patrick Beauzay.