Yesterday appeared as if it would be a horrible day of birding. I had moved on from the National Grasslands near Pierre, South Dakota to Badlands National Park. My research had indicated Mountain Bluebirds AND Blue Grosbeaks were both being seen regularly at the Cliffs Trail. I saw crows, and only crows!

Unfortunately I now had over four hours to kill before I could check into my cabin. The lack of water in the Badlands (and all the people) really made this seem like a horrible birding choice/location for me. Thus, on the spot I decided to leave the park and drive a random dirt road which was only two miles distant. At first this appeared to be another bad choice, but then I struck paydirt … a prairie dog town with a large number of Burrowing Owls and Western Meadowlarks. Better yet, with extra effort on my part I could get birds in front of the Badlands Mountains. Please note in my three hours of this dirt road I say nary another person, or vehicle. The crowds in the park were intent on staying in the park, and only using park roads. Here are some of the images that resulted.

Birds of the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands

High Noon …

Golden Hour Before Sunset …

The Badlands Mountain

Western Meadowlarks

An Antelope Which FINALLY Decided to ignore me!