When looking for some of the best birding in North America, look no further than North Dakota. Many bird enthusiasts travel on North Dakota birding trails to experience the large numbers of unique bird species seen here.
North Dakota is considered to be one of the best birding locations in the US. It has a large number of wildlife refuges as well as many state parks and forests. These are great areas to see many rare birds. In fact, North Dakota is home to 365 species of prairie birds. Many people also delight in seeing the whooping crane, which is the tallest bird in North America.
Not only does North Dakota have a large number of bird species, but it also has many birding trails which makes bird watching here even more ideal. Birding trails are basically routes which one can drive down to see many bird species. Birding trails come in many varieties. Some are more developed than others, with more features such as maps which give information on the area and descriptions of the birds which can be seen. Birding trails are a relatively new phenomenon. The first were started in Texas in 1996. They have increased in popularity as many see them as a way to promote bird watching while at the same time educating people on their responsibility to the environment.
North Dakota birding trails are a great way to become introduced to birding here, not only because they help direct you to the best spots for seeing birds, but also because you are likely to meet up with other bird enthusiasts along the way. Birding tails in North Dakota are also referred to as birding drives, and there are many to pick from. One of the most popular is the Steele Birding Drive. It goes through Kidder country, which is known as one of the top 10 places to see birds in North America. The Steele Birding Drive includes three wildlife refuges, making it a great place for birding as well as for seeing many other animals.
For those interested in history as well as birding, the Bismarck-Mandan Birding Drive is an excellent choice. It follows the path that Lewis and Clark traveled on as they went up the Missouri River. This birding trail has a tremendous amount of diversity in the birds you will see. From songbirds to majestic eagles, you can see it all on this trail.
Beginners would enjoy the Medina-Chase Lake Birding Trail located in the central part of North Dakota. The trail was designed to show a wide range of habitats that are present in North Dakota. Because of this, over 300 species of birds have been spotted here. Birds from all over North America migrate here, and this is an ideal place to visit from early spring through the fall.
Rick Chapo is with Nomad Journals - makers of travel journals to preserve your travel experiences.
