FAQ
Mountain Bluebird © Seth Owens
ANSWERS TO your QUESTIONS
Planning a birding trip involves many factors and some unknowns. This guide to frequently asked questions will assist you in the process. If you need further clarification on any points or have questions not covered here, please don’t hesitate to ask us!
Where do I go?
North Dakota is a large state with a diverse population of birds. Each region has its own specialty birds found nowhere else in the state. Take a look at our locations page to get a feel of which regions are home to which species. Consider the species you’d like to see and how much you want to travel, as well as your budget. If your budget isn’t an issue perhaps a tour that takes you from east to west across the state is the way to go!
When do I come?
The best time to experience North Dakota and its specialty birds is the height of the breeding season, roughly May through July. With some exceptions, the vast majority of species will be on territory and raising young. The front and back end of this period is peak migration with neotropical and temperate species joining the residents. The non-breeding season is January through March however birding can be still excellent with possibilities for irruptive winter specialties.
What will I see?
This depends on when you come, where you go, and your objectives. North Dakota Birding Society produces a useful up-to-date state checklist while eBird is without doubt the most dynamic tool. Use the downloadable lists to the right to determine which species you can expect to see or target during your visit. You can view species sorted by taxonomic order (evolutionary relationships) or sighting frequency (percentage of checklists that have reported the species). NOTE: frequency does not necessarily reflect the likelihood of seeing a given species.
TAXONOMIC Order
Sighting FREQUency
What do I bring?
Start with whatever you bring out birding on a regular basis – binoculars, spotting scope, camera, appropriate outerwear (including sunscreen, bug spray, and chapstick), daypack, and water/snacks. Check out our services page for a list of what we’ll bring along as well. Bring at least one layer each of clothes for warm, cold, and wet conditions. We recommend sticking with long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toed shoes when in the field.
What do I eat?
Food is handled per circumstances and preferences. Breakfast is quick, usually at your lodging, a quick restaurant, or packed ahead of time for the field. Similarly, lunch is often on-the-go, either packed or ordered at a quick restaurant along the way. Often folks choose to beat the heat and the mid-day lull by taking a break and eating lunch at a dine-in restaurant. Dinner is the best time to relax and enjoy some good food out. Yelp and Trip Advisor are excellent resources to locate North Dakota’s best eateries!
What is the weather like?
North Dakota’s climate is continental with large temperature differences between seasons. Due to being far from oceans in the northern Great Plains it can experience a wide range of extremes. It can also be very windy in North Dakota! Spring and summer are generally warm with sunshine while winters can be extreme with below freezing temperatures. It is always good to check weather condtions prior to traveling to North Dakota to best prepare. Accuweather and Weather Underground are the best resources.
