J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge

North Dakota · Midwest

ModerateOfficial Site

Habitat

WetlandGrasslandMarsh

Best Seasons

SpringSummer

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-July

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily

About This Location

J. Clark Salyer NWR is the largest national wildlife refuge in North Dakota, encompassing over 59,000 acres of prairie pothole country along the Souris River. The refuge is one of the top grassland birding destinations in North America, with species that are declining across most of their range.

Breeding Piping Plovers, Baird's Sparrows, Sprague's Pipits, and Marbled Godwits are among the specialties. The refuge's mix of native prairie, wetlands, and managed marshes supports an incredible diversity of breeding waterfowl and shorebirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Piping Plover Baird's Sparrow Sprague's Pipit Le Conte's Sparrow Marbled Godwit

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

3/4/2026Fargo--Trefoil Park2 observed

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

3/4/2026The Bird's Nest1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

3/4/2026Lake Ashtabula--Baldhill Dam1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/4/2026Bismarck--Sertoma Park

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/4/2026Riverwood Marsh2 observed

Cooper's Hawk

Astur cooperii

3/4/2026Riverwood Marsh1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/4/20265301–5399 98th St SE, Ashley US-ND 45.99803, -99.267741190 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/4/2026Eagles Park & Campground1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/4/2026Eagles Park & Campground4 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/4/2026Eagles Park & Campground10 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/3/2026West Central1 observed

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

3/3/2026The Bird's Nest1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

3/3/2026Home1 observed

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

3/2/2026The Bird's Nest1 observed

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

3/2/2026The Bird's Nest1 observed

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

3/2/2026The Bird's Nest1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

3/1/2026Lake Ashtabula--Baldhill Dam1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

3/1/2026Lake Ashtabula--Baldhill Dam2 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

3/1/2026Lake Ashtabula--Baldhill Dam1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

3/1/2026Lake Ashtabula--Baldhill Dam2 observed

Recent Observations

American Crow

North Dakota State University

3/4/2026

10 birds

Dark-eyed Junco

North Dakota State University

3/4/2026

2 birds

Hairy Woodpecker

North Dakota State University

3/4/2026

1 birds

Black-capped Chickadee

North Dakota State University

3/4/2026

2 birds

Canada Goose

Riverwood Marsh

3/4/2026

Cackling Goose

Riverwood Marsh

3/4/2026

Gray Partridge

Armourdale Lake

3/4/2026

2 birds

Black-billed Magpie

Armourdale Lake

3/4/2026

1 birds

White-breasted Nuthatch

1825 10th Street Southwest, Minot, North Dakota, US (48.213, -101.307)

3/4/2026

1 birds

House Sparrow

Fargo - Stonebridge at 36th Ave S

3/4/2026

1 birds

House Finch

Fargo - Stonebridge at 36th Ave S

3/4/2026

4 birds

Northern Cardinal

West Fargo--Armour Park

3/4/2026

1 birds

Pine Siskin

Valley City State University, Valley City US-ND 46.91895, -98.00230

3/4/2026

1 birds

Ring-necked Pheasant

5301–5399 98th St SE, Ashley US-ND 45.99803, -99.26774

3/4/2026

1 birds

Rough-legged Hawk

5301–5399 98th St SE, Ashley US-ND 45.99803, -99.26774

3/4/2026

1 birds

Rock Pigeon

914 S 12th St, Bismarck US-ND 46.79586, -100.77389

3/4/2026

2 birds

European Starling

914 S 12th St, Bismarck US-ND 46.79586, -100.77389

3/4/2026

6 birds

Eurasian Collared-Dove

914 S 12th St, Bismarck US-ND 46.79586, -100.77389

3/4/2026

1 birds

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Valley City State University

3/4/2026

1 birds

Merlin

North Dakota State University

3/4/2026

1 birds

Birding Tips

1
Drive the auto tour route at dawn in June to hear Sprague's Pipits skylarking overhead
2
The Souris River marshes along the refuge road are excellent for bitterns and rails

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Nearby Attractions

Upper Souris NWR
International Peace Garden

Birding Guides

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Top Spring Migration Hotspots Across America

10 min read

Fall Migration Guide: Hawks, Sparrows, and More

10 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge for birding?▼

The best months to visit J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge for birding are May-July. The best seasons are Spring and Summer.

What birds can I see at J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge?▼

Notable species at J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge include Piping Plover, Baird's Sparrow, Sprague's Pipit, Le Conte's Sparrow, Marbled Godwit. The area supports wetland, grassland, marsh habitats.

How difficult is birding at J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge?▼

Birding at J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

Is there an entrance fee at J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge?▼

There is no entrance fee at J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily.

What amenities are available at J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge?▼

J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.