The park is at its best in spring when the trees are dripping with migrant warblers and other passerines, such as Olive-sided Flycatcher; Hermit, Swainson’s, and Gray-cheeked Thrushes; Veery; Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets; Yellow-throated, Solitary, and Philadelphia Vireos; Black-and-white, Tennessee, Orange-crowned, Nashville, Magnolia, Cape May, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Chestnut-sided, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, Palm, Connecticut, Mourning, Wilson’s, and Canada Warblers; Ovenbird; Northern Waterthrush; American Redstart; Rufous-sided Towhee; and Harris’, White-crowned, White-throated, Fox, Lincoln’s, and Swamp Sparrows. All of these species occur in similar habitat throughout the area (especially along the Red River in Grand Forks).
Two excellent spots for water and marsh species are Rose Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Stump Lake National Wildlife Refuge. To reach them proceed south from Lakota on State Highway 1 for 2.1 miles and turn right (west) on a gravel road. Go 5.0 miles and turn left (south). Then turn right (west) at 1.0 mile. After 0.8 mile you will reach a marshy inlet of Rose Lake.
The shallow marsh can be productive in migration and late summer for shorebirds. In the drier fields watch for Bobolink and Grasshopper Sparrow. The wetter edges are good for Marsh and Sedge Wrens, Common Yellowthroat, and Savannah, Le Conte’s, and sometimes Sharp-tailed Sparrows. The lake attracts migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls, and terns.
Continue west for 0.3 mile to another marshy area with the same birds. After 0.8 mile turn left (south) on Nelson County Road #23. Go south for 8.0 miles and turn left (east). Follow the main road as it swings north (3.0 miles) and then east (1.0 mile). After another mile turn left (north). In 1.5 miles you will see Stump Lake on both sides of the road.
This large lake has little vegetation around the perimeter, so few ducks or marsh species actually nest, but some use the area from spring through fall. You may expect lots of grebes (especially Western), American White Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorants, and Ring-billed and Franklin’s Gulls. Occasionally, a Bonaparte’s will put in a late-summer appearance, and in migration watch for White-winged Scoter and Oldsquaw. In spring and from mid-July through early October, the shorelines may be covered with shorebirds. It is a consistent place to find Sanderlings. Piping Plovers may nest.