![North Dakota Game and Fish Department Logo](/gnf/base/gnf-logo.png)
Natural History Calendar
Birds
![American bittern walking near wetland](/sites/default/files/styles/video_mobile_large_768w_x_432h_/public/2022-11/american-bittern-2.jpg?itok=iWs7IPXx)
American Bittern
(Early September through Early October)
![Sharptail displaying](/sites/default/files/styles/video_mobile_large_768w_x_432h_/public/2022-12/sharp-tailed-grouse-displaying-1.jpg?itok=Kt22b2t_)
Sharp-Tailed Grouse
Sharp-tailed grouse males displaying on leks (displaying on leks is triggered by photoperiod, so sharptails will display in the fall as well as spring).
(Mid-October through Early November)
![Meadowlark flying from post](/sites/default/files/styles/video_mobile_large_768w_x_432h_/public/2022-11/meadowlark-5.jpg?itok=G_auMnlC)
Western Meadowlark
(Mid-October through Early November)
![Northern hawk owl in tree](/sites/default/files/styles/video_mobile_large_768w_x_432h_/public/2022-11/northern-hawk-owl.jpg?itok=z8yLnN83)
Northern Hawk Owl
(Late November through Late March)
Mammals
![Black Bear](/sites/default/files/styles/video_mobile_large_768w_x_432h_/public/2022-10/bear-1-as.jpg?itok=TkfngU6H)
Black Bear
Black bears are hyperphagic (eating excessively in an attempt to put on enough fat to survive winter hibernation).
(Late September through Late October)
![Weasel in winter coat (left) and summer coat (right)](/sites/default/files/styles/video_mobile_large_768w_x_432h_/public/2022-10/weasel-2.jpg?itok=M5qOV5yN)
Long-Tailed Weasel
(Mid-October through Mid-November)