The crisp air of North Dakota’s prairie serves as a living stage each spring and fall at J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, where thousands of migratory birds pause in their long journeys. Located near Towner, this vast expanse of wetlands and grasslands invites birdwatchers to witness nature’s relentless pulse. The refuge’s flat terrain stretches over 58,700 acres, offering a network of accessible trails and observation blinds crafted for both the novice and seasoned watcher.

Walking the refuge during migration season means stepping into a landscape as fiercely itself as the birds it supports. The air hums with the flap of wings, the calls of sandhill cranes echo against open skies, and waterfowl push through reeds that dare you to be still and patient. Trail loops range from gentle strolls of under two miles to more ambitious routes exceeding five miles, built on packed dirt and gravel that stay navigable even after early spring rains or fall drizzles.

Approach your adventure prepared: sturdy waterproof boots to keep footing sure on damp patches, binoculars locked and ready, and layered clothing to adjust as the prairie sun climbs or the wind stiffens. Early morning and late afternoon light craft the best conditions, softening edges and stirring bird activity. Maps are posted at trailheads; remain on marked paths to protect nesting sites and fragile wetlands.

Fluxes in temperature, occasional gusts, and sudden weather changes command respect here. The refuge doesn’t bend to the visitor but offers access to its rhythms—a chance to read these wild signals and respond with awareness. The reward is in the patient watching: flocks of geese carving symmetrical patterns across the sky, herons standing sentinel along marsh edges, and the subtle shifts in feather tone as warblers make their brief stop.

For visitors planning a trip, timing is key. Spring migrations usually peak in late April through May, with fall movements in September and early October bringing another swell of feathered travelers. Local visitor centers provide current bird counts and tips on recent sightings, turning your visit into a collaborative exploration with the refuge staff and fellow watchers.

J. Clark Salyer extends a practical invitation: breathe deeply, focus sharply, and move deliberately amidst a world perpetually in passage. This refuge is not a site to conquer but a force to engage, honored through preparation, patience, and the readiness to be surprised by nature in motion.