Not Every Migratory Bird Leaves North Dakota In 30-Below

Bismarck, North Dakota set two all-time records for low temperatures over the last week.

One for a minus 36-degree reading and the most recent 39 below zero. Some spots in North Dakota saw temperatures plunge well into the 40 below zero range.

Insane temperatures that rival anything I've ever seen in my life before, and I'm a lifelong North Dakotan. I was just talking with one of my listeners on air about how any animal or creature can survive these frozen tundra temperatures.

Waterfowl are known as migratory birds, and the majority of them migrate out of North Dakota each fall for warmer temps.

However, not all of them. Certain species of ducks and geese will stay as far north as they can. As long as they have open water and a food supply. Well, check and check for that.

I found a spot not far from the radio station that work at that has both open water and a food supply.

Introducing the overflow ponds at KIST Livestock in Mandan, North Dakota.

I spoke with some of the employees at KIST Livestock, who were kind enough to grant me access to this little gem (please don't just walk onto their property, you will be trespassing). They told me they have ducks and geese there every winter. It doesn't really matter how cold it gets.

There's running water that flows into a pond that stays open (even in 30-below weather), and a corn field that ducks and geese will use to feed in.

Every year, the species may vary that winter at KIST, but the predominant species are Mallard ducks.

I also witnessed Snow Geese, Blue Geese, and Canada Geese. I was told there was a Gadwall duck in the mix, but I couldn't pick him out. There were roughly 200 plus birds wintering in this pond.

As a bird watcher and hunter, what a treat. I'm still amazed they don't choose Texas over 30-below, but I guess these birds have their reasons. I guess the same could be said for me.