The Stalker of Prairie Wetlands

Common to Western Minnesota and North Dakota

A driving adventure through the pothole wetlands of Western Minnesota and North Dakota will produce many species water birds. Ducks of many species, Redheads, Canvasbacks, Ruddy Ducks, Pintails and Grebes (Western, Eared, Red Necked and Pie Billed). On this trip I was after shorebirds. Avocets being the target to go along with other shorebirds sure to be present where Avocets roam.

The area I chose was north of Cleveland, North Dakota and northwest toward the tiny town of Robinson. This area features the Chase Lake WPA and many other waterfowl production areas. For birders this area is a must visit. There are endless potholes, lakes and grasslands to view  birds. For bird list folks you can stack up the species easily. Twenty Five plus bird varieties is a given including some elusive species like Wilsons Phalarope and Prairie Falcon. For photographers the area offers up boundless opportunities to click the shutter to your hearts consent.

My visit was in early May and it took me a bit to find avocets. Passing numerous likely spots I finally landed on a pothole that I believe only exists in spring and it dries up as summer goes on. I saw 2 avocets in this pond along with a few willets, blue wing teal, killdeer and a bunch of Wilson’s Phalarope.

In full camo I entered this wetland armed with a tripod and my camera plus my ever present butt seat. The birds scattered a bit but over the next few hours they settled in and began to go about their business of feeding and courting. I always wish for perfect conditions on the North Dakota prairie but windless days with filtered light are hard to come by. Below is sampling of the imagery I captured on this fine spring day.

Avocets of the North Dakota Potholes

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