North & South Dakota
Birding the Great Plains
Together, the Dakotas create a birding journey defined by diversity and contrast; wetlands to grasslands, badlands to pine forest — all stitched together by big skies, quiet roads, and wild landscapes. This is one of the most immersive Great Plains experiences available, and a destination where birders can slow down, breathe, and enjoy birds exactly where they belong.
At this time, our North & South Dakota departures are offered as private custom tours only. Stay connected for future updates - join our mailing list to receive news on upcoming offerings and inspiration for your next birding adventure.
Custom Group Tours Available Only
Sample Itinerary:
Big Open Country (8-9 days)
Bismarck → Dry Prairie & Dickinson Wetlands → Theodore Roosevelt NP → Grand River National Grassland → Badlands National Park → Black Hills → Rapid City
Explore two of America’s most overlooked yet spectacular birding states on a journey through the heart of the Great Plains. A sweeping birding journey through the Prairie Pothole Region, mixed‑grass prairie, the sculpted Badlands, and the pine forests of the Black Hills.
This itinerary blends rich wetlands, iconic prairie specialties, dramatic western landscapes, and montane forest birds into one diverse and beautifully paced experience across two of America’s most surprising birding states.
Late April through mid-May is the prime window: Greater Prairie-Chicken and Sharp-tailed Grouse leks are still active at dawn, and by mid-May the longspurs, Baird's Sparrow, and Sprague's Pipit are back on territory and singing. If lek-viewing is not a priority for you, late May–June gives full breeding song from every grassland species, plus Piping Plover and Least Tern nesting on Missouri River sandbars. Early-to-mid- May is the best single-visit compromise if both are priorities.
Target species: Baird's Sparrow, Sprague's Pipit, Chestnut-collared Longspur, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Greater Prairie- Chicken, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Williamson's Sapsucker, Canada Jay, Lewis's Woodpecker, LeConte's Sparrow, Prairie Falcon, Nelson's Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, White-throated Swift, Red Crossbill, Pygmy Nuthatch, American Dipper, waterfowl and shorebirds.