Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge lies in the main migration corridor of the Central Flyway and is an important link in a chain of Refuges extending from the prairie lands of Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. The refuge was established as a nesting and breeding ground for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife. Arrowwood's 15,934 acres are made up of lakes, marshes, prairie grasslands, wooded coulees, and cultivated fields; here visitors can go on a 5.5-mile auto tour where they will see various waterfowl, shorebirds, dancing sharp tail grouse, various grassland songbirds and even a herd of American bison. Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge Bird Checklist:

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge - a refuge designated as an Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy, and just recently, a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network Site, Long Lake is about 18 miles long and ranges from three-eighths to two miles wide. The Refuge contains 22,300 acres, 16,000 of which are lake bottom, with rolling prairie and cultivated uplands on the remaining 6,300 acres. Long Lake National
Wildlife Refuge Bird Checklist:

Valley City Wetlands Management District encompasses the scenic Sheyenne River Valley, which is part of a National Scenic Byway. The area is noted for its abundance of woodland birds including the pileated woodpecker.

Coteau Region - The Coteau region of North Dakota is a prime waterfowl nesting region of North America. The eighteen counties of North Dakota which make up the Coteau contain over one million temporary, seasonal, and semi-permanent wetlands that cover over 1.3 million acres. The average density of these three classes of wetlands is nearly 42 per square mile. These numerous wetlands coupled with adequate cover attract millions of nesting waterfowl and shore birds each year.

Edward R. Brigham III Alkali Lake Sanctuary- The National Audubon Society manages this 2000 acre sanctuary, which encompasses 500 acre Alkali Lake. Besides the alkali lake, this reserve also contains a narrow fringe of deciduous woodland, and some restored grassland.

Pipestem Reservoir - This 840-acre lake is surrounded by 3400 acres of upland open to public use. Scope here in migration for Common Loons, grebes, and other waterfowl. Spot a rare scoter in October, walk the wooded ares for migrants.

James River - This river is an important north-south migration corridor for many birds. During spring and fall migration the trees and water in the park provide excellent stopover habitat for a variety of flycatchers, vireos, thrushes, warblers, and sparrows. Twenty-three warbler species are regular migrants in the park. Rare but regular are N. Parula, Cape May, and Connecticut. Watch for Yellow-bellied and Alder Flycatchers in late May and early June. Solitary Sandpipers can be seen at the river's edge in migration. Nesting species include Cooper's Hawk, Belted Kingfisher, Least Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Gray Catbird, House Wren, Yellow Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Baltimore Oriole. In recent years Black-headed Grosbeaks have been present during the breeding season. Keep an eye to the sky for migrant raptors.

Lake Juanita area- Low prairie and wetland provide ideal habitat for grassland birds such as LeConte sparrows, Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrows, and Chestnut-collared Longspurs. Back in Carrington, visit the NDSU-Carrington Research Extension Center to see its 1200-acre facility, which features a variety of native and exotic tree species that make the area very attractive to migrant passerines.