My dad always told me how when he was young, he wanted to be a bird watcher. When I was a little kid, he’d sometimes send me to the backyard with a set of binoculars to see what I could find. Back then I didn’t realize it, but South Dakota and the Black Hills have plenty of hotspots for birding, whether you’re an expert or trying it out as hobby for the first time.

There are over 400 species of birds that either live or migrate through South Dakota. This includes Bald Eagles, raptors, hawks, owls, magpies, water ouzels, tanagers and the list goes on and on and on. In the Black Hills alone, there are over 20 rare or endangered species that have been spotted.

There are all kinds of or recommended birding sites in the area. Rapid City’s Canyon Lake is home to 30 species of waterfowl, while many species of birds can be spotted at Bear Butte State Park, The Badlands, Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park and Spearfish Canyon. Other recommended birding hotspots include Edgemont and the Angostura Recreation Area.

Never been birding before? Well, here are a few quick tips. Pack your sunscreen, water, bug repellent and first aid kid. Use binoculars and view birds from a distance. Adult birds will abandon eggs or chicks or they’re disturbed, so don’t get too close. Also, birds like bald eagles, which spend their winters in the area, are often a little bit stressed from the lack of food and the weather, so it’s best to respect their space too. In the event that you spot a rare bird, you should contact a park manager and keep track of the date and location.

For more info on bird watching, take a look at the Bird Watching Guide from South Dakota Game Fish and Parks. South Dakota’s Ornithologists’ Union is filled with plenty of helpful information, like records, birding hotspots, links etc. Also, here’s a bird checklist to use on your next venture.

I hope you take the opportunity to do some birding the next time you’re in the area. Its a great way to enjoy the outdoors, and  you never know, you might spot an endangered species.