Page 39 - 2024 Pierre Visitor Guide

> > 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 yellow-billed loons,
as well as a 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 Dakota
breeding location of Chuck-Will’s Window,
a species of nightjar. Oahe Downstream
is also one of the best state parks for
viewing bald eagles, which nest in the
area from November to February. Observe
the birds’ roosting sites from the road
only; bald eagles are sensitive to human
interference and may abandon a roost
if disturbed.

The Exploration Nature Trail at Farm > > Fort Pierre National Grassland
Island Recreation Area offers good
viewing opportunities in the spring and Of the 20 national grasslands administered
summer. Be on the lookout for vireos, by the US Forest Service, the Fort Pierre
thrushes, warblers, sparrows, yellow- National Grassland is one of three located
and black-billed cuckoos, least and great in South Dakota. It is seven miles south
crested flycatchers, Bell’s vireo, black- of Fort Pierre and is open year-round
headed and blue grosbeaks, spotted for visitors who are interested in hunting,
towhee, yellow-breasted chat, indigo fishing, dispersed camping, hiking, birding
bunting and green heron. and wildlife watching. For more information,
contact the Fort Pierre Ranger District
Held on weekends throughout the year, at 605.224.5517. Or stop by the office
the Walk in the Park series of guided, at 1020 N Deadwood Street, Fort Pierre.
educational hikes takes participants
through our state parks to learn about
local birds and other wildlife. The walks
aare led by park staff and volunteers.

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