Page 29 - Digital Visitor Guide 2021

> Birding

Every season brings new opportunities
for bird watching in the Pierre area,
with diverse native species occupying
local woods, prairies and wetlands.
The area is also an important corridor
for many varieties of migratory birds.

The best area for birding is in the
Oahe Downstream Recreation Area
and around the Oahe Dam. Watch for
black-legged kittiwake, jaegers and
the yellow-billed loon, as well as the
pair of barn owls living in the tower
at the top of the dam. In the winter,
grouse, gyrfalcons, hawks and golden
eagles are found in nearby hills.

The park is the only known South Held on weekends throughout the year,
Dakota breeding location of Chuck- the Walk in the Park series of guided,
Will’s Window, a species of nightjar. educational hikes takes participants
Oahe Downstream is also one of through our state parks to learn about
the best state parks for viewing bald local birds and other wildlife. The walks
eagles, which nest in the area from are led by park staff and volunteers.
November to February. Observe the
birds’ roosting sites from the road > Fort Pierre National Grassland
only; bald eagles are sensitive to Of the 20 national grasslands
human interference and may abandon administered by the US Forest Service,
a roost if disturbed. the Fort Pierre National Grassland is
one of three located in South Dakota.
The Exploration Nature Trail at It is located seven miles south of Fort
Farm Island Recreation Area offers Pierre and is open to visitors year-
good viewing opportunities in the round who are interested in hunting,
spring and summer. Be on the lookout fishing, dispersed camping, hiking,
for vireos, thrushes, warblers and bird and wildlife watching. For more
sparrows, yellow-and black-billed information, contact the Fort Pierre
cuckoos, least and great crested Ranger District at 605.224.5517. Or
flycatchers, Bell’s vireo, black-headed stop by the office at 1020 N Deadwood
and blue grosbeaks, the spotted Street, Fort Pierre.
towhee, the yellow-breasted chat, the
indigo bunting and the green heron.
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