Pelicans in North Dakota in August
Yes, August is a good month to see pelicans in North Dakota. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 36 of the 345 sightings logged across the year (10.4%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Good month for pelicans in North Dakota
10.4%
of yearly sightings
36
records in August
#4
busiest month of 12
345
verified records a year
July 20.6%, August 10.4%, September 7.5%. Busiest month is June at 29.9%.
345 verified observations of pelicans in North Dakota, recorded across 9 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in North Dakota
Peak month
June
103 records (29.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 1 | 0.3% |
| April | 21 | 6.1% |
| Maypeak | 78 | 22.6% |
| Junepeak | 103 | 29.9% |
| Julypeak | 71 | 20.6% |
| August | 36 | 10.4% |
| September | 26 | 7.5% |
| October | 6 | 1.7% |
| November | 3 | 0.9% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American White Pelican | 344 |
In North Dakota, August carries 10.4% of the year's pelicans sightings, about 2.1 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 4th busiest of the twelve months, out of 9 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from July (20.6%) into August, and it heads toward September (7.5%) after. The busiest month is June (29.9%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The pelicans most often recorded in North Dakota are American White Pelican. Those counts are annual totals rather than a August split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in August itself.
Which pelicans you are most likely to see
- American White Pelican344 records
Plan your pelican trip in North Dakota
Start with live tours near Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main pelican viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing area in North Dakota.
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Broader backupBook a pelican tour in North Dakota
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see pelicans in North Dakota in August?+
Yes. August accounts for 36 of the 345 verified pelicans sightings logged in North Dakota across the year, which is 10.4% of the annual total.
Is August a good time to see pelicans in North Dakota?+
August is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though June and May is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for pelicans in North Dakota?+
June is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through June, May and July, based on 345 verified observations.
Which pelicans are you most likely to see in North Dakota?+
The most-recorded species in North Dakota are American White Pelican, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See pelicans in North Dakota in other months
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in North Dakota