Date: 12/8/24 4:52 pm From: Michael M. Melius via groups.io <pingothenbingo...> Subject: [sd-birds] Grouse and turkeys
There was a post on social media recently, something about grassland conservation, where a commentor claimed they were seeing more Sharp-tailed Grouse than ever. That was in south-central SD, I'm not sure where. I can say the same: Near my place in NE Custer Co, there were over 80 STGR's on Nov. 26. There had been about 30 through much of October, which is more of a typical number for me to find.
At a time when bird flu and who knows what other factors are causing bird declines, it's surprising to find grouse doing so well. They did have good breeding season weather: Decent spring rains, then dry, not too hot, with plenty of grasshoppers by early summer.
Wild Turkeys also seem to be thriving in the southern Hills. I see sizable flocks everywhere, including over 100 near Angostura Res. in Oct., and another flock over 100 birds roosting south of Cascade Falls, yesterday. I don't have much prior experience in this area so can't compare past records with this year's sightings.
I don't expect to see W. Meadowlarks this time of year, but quite a few have remained in Spring Creek valley near my place. I counted 34 on Nov. 26, highest ever for this time of year.
