Last Summer I visited the South Dakota National Grasslands (Fort Pierre Grasslands) a touch over a week later than this year. I think the later visit was a better timeframe. While I am seeing lots of birds, the extra week last year meant all bug eating birds were back from their southern locations, and really in courting up a storm. I am seeing the same bird species, but I have to work harder for those sightings. Dickcissels and Upland Sandpipers seem to not be fully back on the breeding grounds.

This post stresses War Creek Road. While my trip is not “all about burrowing owls”, this is the road to many birders visit in the Grasslands area for the sole purpose of seeing all these small owls. While I will not reveal exact owl locations, just drive the road slowly. Starting about 5 miles in from US #83 watch for prairie dog towns/mounds. You will see the small owls at the same locations.

My Grassland Birds!

The star of War Creek Road … Burrowing Owl

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Driving the Grasslands (me, myself and I) … no other people around. Per the sign next to the Burrowing Owl photo, driving this road is specifically allowed prior to June 15th! (video link for blog email subscribers)

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The Other Birds from Yesterday!

Western Meadowlark

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Western Kingbird

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Dickcissel

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The true “king of the grasslands” … Ring-Necked Pheasant

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Upland Sandpiper

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and finally … a Lark Bunting

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But not just birds … Home of the Range …

“Where the Deer and the Antelope Play!”

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In closing I want to call out the super place I stay every visit to the National Grasslands. The Eagle’s View Bed and Breakfast, run and owned by Linda is a great spot. Her home is on a bluff in the town of “Fort Pierre” right across the Missouri River from Pierre. Linda is understanding of birders. I go out early in the morning and them come back for a great breakfast around 9:30 am. The rooms are spacious and very reasonably priced. Here are some pics via AirBnB, but reserve directly with Linda … not through AirBnB. The phone number is: 605-224-4053. Here is the Google Maps Location. You will be only 8 miles from the Grasslands and War Creek Road. I can not stress how much better Eagles View is than the roadside motels.