Winter Birding in North Dakota
Winter birding isn’t easy to do, considering the somewhat harsh climate of North Dakota, but there are a couple of even tougher birds that are able to withstand cold and stay in the state throughout the winter. These include but aren’t limited to the Pileated Woodpecker, Snowy Owl, Black-Capped Chickadee, and the Rough-Legged Hawk. The best places to find them include state parks such as Lewis & Clark and Turtle Mountain.
Winter Birding – Help and Enjoy at the Same Time
If you’re planning a birdwatching trip in the winter, do consider helping out your feathered friends as well last throughout the season. Providing nourishment for these birds is one of the best ways you can help them and if possible, consider doing it throughout the year. You can do this from any of the state parks you visit and even in your own backyard.
Use black-oiled sunflower seeds.
For the winter, these seeds are probably the best thing to feed North Dakota birds as it contains high protein and fat levels, which are essential to helping them stay warm throughout the winter. These are also easily available from your local pet shop or grocer. If black-oiled sunflower seeds are unavailable, you may also use thistle or millet seeds.
Invest in a feeder.
Of course, it would be ideal if you could feed birds directly from your hands, but as you no doubt know, that kind of feeding experience requires time and trust to accomplish. In the meantime, you can do your part by investing in a feeder.
If you’re the DIY type then you can make your own platform feeder by staking a piece of wood in the ground and then attaching another piece on top to serve as the feeding area for the birds. Attach or tie a bowl to your makeshift feeder and fill it with an assortment of seeds – such as the ones specified above – to attract the largest and most diverse community of birds to your area.
Then again, you can always purchase feeders from your local pet shop. They range from the simple to the elaborate while some are specifically designed to attract certain bird species. When shopping for feeders, consider which species you’d like to see in your winter birding excursion best. Look for something portable as well if you plan on taking your feeder with you when you visit a North Dakota State Park.
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