The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Jamestown Dam - Spillway Trail

North Dakota · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird
Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Jamestown Dam - Spillway Trail is a productive birding destination in North Dakota, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Bald Eagle among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada GooseMallardBald EagleDowny WoodpeckerHairy Woodpecker

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

73/2/2026

Mallard

83/2/2026

Bald Eagle

13/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

43/2/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

43/2/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

13/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking
Trails

More in North Dakota

J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge

North Dakota's largest refuge with rare grassland species and prairie pothole breeding birds.

Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge

Wetland birding hotspot in North Dakota with 233 recorded species.

Audubon National Wildlife Refuge

Wetland birding hotspot in North Dakota with 229 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles in North America: A Seasonal Viewing Guide

11 min read

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

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Jamestown Dam - Spillway Trail for birding?▼
The best months to visit Jamestown Dam - Spillway Trail for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Jamestown Dam - Spillway Trail?▼
Notable species at Jamestown Dam - Spillway Trail include Canada Goose, Mallard, Bald Eagle, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Jamestown Dam - Spillway Trail?▼
Birding at Jamestown Dam - Spillway Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Jamestown Dam - Spillway Trail?▼
Jamestown Dam - Spillway Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.