| sd-birds |
| Received |
From |
Subject |
| 12/9/25 2:28 pm |
Ricky Olson via groups.io <olsonr088...> |
[sd-birds] Correction |
| 12/9/25 2:26 pm |
Ricky Olson via groups.io <olsonr088...> |
[sd-birds] SDOU dues reminder |
| 12/8/25 2:49 pm |
Judy Hengen via groups.io <judyhengen...> |
[sd-birds] Canyon Lake Park Survey, RC, Pennington Co. Dec. 8, 2025 |
| 12/6/25 6:37 pm |
Ricky Olson via groups.io <olsonr088...> |
[sd-birds] Resource |
| 12/6/25 5:21 pm |
Vic Fondy via groups.io <treasurecreek...> |
[sd-birds] WW North |
| 12/6/25 5:12 pm |
David Strom via groups.io <djstrom...> |
[sd-birds] Outdoor Campus West Survey 12-5-25 |
| 12/5/25 1:28 pm |
D. George Prisbe-Przybysz via groups.io <prisbe.przybysz...> |
[sd-birds] Winter Bluebirds |
| 12/5/25 4:08 am |
Eric Davis via groups.io <speargoose...> |
Re: [sd-birds] Sturgis CBC - December 14 |
| 12/2/25 9:19 am |
Palmer, Jeff via groups.io <Jeff.Palmer...> |
[sd-birds] Fall Season Reports |
| 12/2/25 4:55 am |
N Drilling via groups.io <dril0008...> |
[sd-birds] Badlands CBC rescheduled for Jan. 1, 2026 |
| 12/1/25 1:12 pm |
Judy Hengen via groups.io <judyhengen...> |
[sd-birds] Canyon Lake Park Survey, RC, Pennington Co. Dec. 1, 2025 |
| 11/30/25 10:07 pm |
KC Jensen via groups.io <kcjensen55...> |
[sd-birds] Varied Thrush - Brookings County |
| 11/28/25 2:51 pm |
Ricky Olson via groups.io <olsonr088...> |
[sd-birds] Long-tailed Duck |
| 11/28/25 1:04 pm |
Judy Hengen via groups.io <judyhengen...> |
[sd-birds] Outdoor Campus West Survey, RC, Pennington Co. Nov. 28 2025 |
| 11/28/25 12:54 pm |
D. George Prisbe-Przybysz via groups.io <prisbe.przybysz...> |
[sd-birds] possible east River gyr |
| 11/26/25 5:37 pm |
Jeff Hansen via groups.io <jeff.hansen.sd...> |
[sd-birds] Sanborn county |
| 11/25/25 10:24 am |
N Drilling via groups.io <dril0008...> |
[sd-birds] Summer issue of SD Bird Notes available; Dec. 5 deadline for Fall issue |
| 11/25/25 10:03 am |
N Drilling via groups.io <dril0008...> |
[sd-birds] Badlands Christmas Bird Count - Dec. 28th |
| 11/24/25 12:42 pm |
Judy Hengen via groups.io <judyhengen...> |
[sd-birds] Canyon Lake Park Survey, RC, Pennington Co. Nov. 24, 2025 |
| 11/22/25 4:31 pm |
Vic Fondy via groups.io <treasurecreek...> |
[sd-birds] WW to Battle Creek and Return |
| 11/22/25 9:45 am |
Anne Lewis via groups.io <annelewis.pierre...> |
Re: [sd-birds] Pierre/Ft Pierre CBC |
| 11/22/25 7:26 am |
David Strom via groups.io <djstrom...> |
[sd-birds] Outdoor Campus West Survey 11-21-25 |
| 11/19/25 10:05 am |
Chris Anderson via groups.io <canderson1...> |
[sd-birds] Snowy Owl, Lincoln County |
| 11/19/25 10:01 am |
kpreheim via groups.io <kpreheim...> |
[sd-birds] Pacific Loon - Lewis and Clark Lake |
| 11/19/25 7:05 am |
Chris Anderson via groups.io <canderson1...> |
[sd-birds] Canton CBC - January 3 |
| 11/18/25 3:48 pm |
Elizabeth Krueger via groups.io <spearlodge...> |
[sd-birds] Ovenbird? |
| 11/17/25 1:41 pm |
Judy Hengen via groups.io <judyhengen...> |
[sd-birds] Canyon Lake Park Survey, RC, Pennington Co. Nov. 17, 2025 |
| 11/17/25 1:19 pm |
Vic Fondy via groups.io <treasurecreek...> |
[sd-birds] WW amd Bear Bitte :ale |
| 11/16/25 6:23 pm |
Peg McIntire via groups.io <pegmcintire...> |
[sd-birds] Rapid City Christmas Bird Count |
| 11/16/25 10:34 am |
Chris Anderson via groups.io <canderson1...> |
[sd-birds] Sioux Falls CBC - Saturday, Dec. 20 |
| 11/14/25 3:36 pm |
David Strom via groups.io <djstrom...> |
[sd-birds] Outdoor Campus West Survey 11-14-2025 |
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Date: 12/9/25 2:26 pm
From: Ricky Olson via groups.io <olsonr088...>
Subject: [sd-birds] SDOU dues reminder |
I am sending this out for Mary Bradley SDOU membership chair. Mary sent out
a dues reminder email December 4th that says SDOU dues need to be paid soon
for 2026.
I was talking to another member saying I paid mine and he stated he didn't
receive an email. I said check your spam folder, he did and it was I there.
Just a reminder January 1st dues need to be paid.
Thank you.
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Date: 12/8/25 2:49 pm
From: Judy Hengen via groups.io <judyhengen...>
Subject: [sd-birds] Canyon Lake Park Survey, RC, Pennington Co. Dec. 8, 2025 |
Canyon Lake Park Survey, Rapid City, Pennington County
Dec. 8, 2025 7:20 AM – 9:30 AM
Surveyors: Rachel Benton, Judy Hengen, Carol Johnson, Jackie Stucky-Strom
Conditions: Temp: Start: 33 End: 30 Wind (Beaufort Scale): 2
Cloud Cover: 50% to 80% Weather: mostly dark clouds, low light. Lake
30% ice
SPECIES: 24 INDIVIDUALS: 2677
Cackling Goose 4
Canada Goose 2200
Gadwall 65
Mallard 112
Canvasback 1
Redhead 14
Ring-necked Duck 79
Bufflehead 36
Common Goldeneye 31
Hooded Merganser 9
Common Merganser 16
Rock Pigeon 19
Eurasian Collared-Dove 2
American Coot 17
Great Blue Heron 1
Bald Eagle 2
Belted Kingfisher 3
Northern Flicker 2
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 4
Black-capped Chickadee 2
European Starling 43
American Robin 2
House Sparrow 8
3 dead geese observed around the lake
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Date: 12/6/25 6:37 pm
From: Ricky Olson via groups.io <olsonr088...>
Subject: [sd-birds] Resource |
George
There is a interm resource before a book might be down. There is a
printable and viewable distribution state checklist. Directions in the
last Bird Notes Jeff Palmer did a lot of work updating it.
Directions
Go to SDOU site. Www.sdou.org
Log in if member but nonmembers can view also
2. Go to menu
3. Go to site map
4 . Go to printable checklist
5 . Scroll down
6. Check distribution checklist or seasonal checklist box
7. I checked seasonal
8. The species in order are there scroll down to desired species.
9. I went to Eastern Bluebird and done this screen shot
10. As you see reported 8 of 10 winters in SD
There are also printable checklists for west. River. And east parts of SD
Then state checklist for species seen I winter fall. Spring and summer
Also a person could go to the SDOU database do a search for species-
eastern bluebird and December and you could see all counties reported in
Also search by species with county etc
I am amazed amount of data amassed before EBird and some peoples data
after EBird
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Date: 12/6/25 5:21 pm
From: Vic Fondy via groups.io <treasurecreek...>
Subject: [sd-birds] WW North |
We birded the Belle Fourche and Orman area from Whitewood today and
returned via Nisland and WW Valley. The south half of Orman was
completely frozen over with some fisherman walking on ice near the
shore. There was open water by the campground area, but no birds. All
small roadside ponds and lakes today were also frozen and we did not see
any water birds today. Number of raptors has increased in the area with
5 highway sightings but too much traffic on the roads to stop and bird.Â
Raptors identified included 1 Rough-legged and 1 Red-tailed Haw.k and 5
unidentified.  The Belle Fourche landfill had several hundred European
Starlings. Other sightings on interest included a few late American
Robins and some Cedar Waxwings on Old Dane Church Road.
Vic/Donna Fondy 605.269.2553
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Date: 12/6/25 5:12 pm
From: David Strom via groups.io <djstrom...>
Subject: [sd-birds] Outdoor Campus West Survey 12-5-25 |
The weekly survey at the Outdoor Campus West was conducted on Friday, December 5, 2025, by Judy Hengen, Laural Bidwell and Jackie Stucky-Strom. 29 species were identified with a total of 270 individuals.
Canada Goose-11
Gadwall-1
Mallard-72
Green Wing Teal-7
American Wigeon-48
Ring Neck Duck-3
Bufflehead-1
Rock Pigeon-5
Eurasian Collared Dove-10
Red Tail Hawk-1
Sharp Shinned Hawk-1
Belted Kingfisher-1
Downy Woodpecker-1
Hairy Woodpecker-1
Northern Flicker-2
Northern Shrike-1
Blue Jay-5
American Crow-4
Black Capped Chickadee-3
Cedar Waxwing-6
Pygmy Nuthatch-1
European Starling-31
Townsend's Solitaire-4
American Robin-29
House Finch-12
House Sparrow-2
Song Sparrow-1
Dark-eyed Junco-5
Northern Cardinal-1
Start Time: 7:15 AM, 32 degrees, Sky-100% cloud covered, Wind-3
End Time: 10:00 AM, 41 degrees. Sky-50% cloud covered, Wind-5
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Date: 12/5/25 1:28 pm
From: D. George Prisbe-Przybysz via groups.io <prisbe.przybysz...>
Subject: [sd-birds] Winter Bluebirds |
Today, I had a surprising encounter at Bramble Park here in Watertown. I
encountered three eastern bluebirds! I don't remember ever seeing this
species in winter on this side of the river. The (very much outdated and
in need of a 4th edition) Birds of South Dakota mentions eastern bluebirds
appearing on 16% of CBC's between 1949-1998.
George Prisbe
Wasserstadt
--
"poetry is the shadow cast by our streetlight imaginations." - lawrence
ferlinghetti, american poet
"People who believe in absurdities will eventually commit atrocities." -
Voltaire
"the world knows many religions, but Nature has but one truth" - manly p
hall
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Date: 12/5/25 4:08 am
From: Eric Davis via groups.io <speargoose...>
Subject: Re: [sd-birds] Sturgis CBC - December 14 |
The 2025 Sturgis Christmas Bird Count will be held on Sunday, December 14th
. If you are able to participate this year, please contact me or Compiler
Emeritus Vic Fondy in advance for count forms, territory assignments, or
more information. We are still searching for several people to adequately
handle the count circle. As usual, those interested can meet up at
McDonald's in Sturgis around 7:30 the morning of the count to catch up,
receive count forms, maps, and to coordinate territory assignments. The
alternate bad-weather count date will be December 20th.
Eric Davis
Sturgis, SD
(605) 639-3173
<speargoose...>
On Tue, Nov 11, 2025 at 5:02 AM Eric Davis <speargoose...> wrote:
> The 2025 Sturgis Christmas Bird Count will be held on Sunday, December
> 14th. Please contact me for count forms, territory assignments, or more
> information.
>
> Eric Davis
>
> Sturgis, SD
>
> <speargoose...>
>
>
>
>
>
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Date: 12/2/25 9:19 am
From: Palmer, Jeff via groups.io <Jeff.Palmer...>
Subject: [sd-birds] Fall Season Reports |
Dear SD Birders,
Once again, the Fall Season, 01 Aug - 30 Nov, has come and gone, hence, if you have not already done so it is now time to enter your sightings for the season into the online database located at
https://research.dsu.edu/sdousbor/default.aspx
On or about 22 December I will download the data for use in the upcoming Fall Season Report to be published in an upcoming issue of South Dakota Bird Notes. As I am no longer compiling that report, it is extremely important that you enter your data by the deadline so that I can get the necessary information to the new compiler.
If you cannot recall your Observer ID and/or Password, you can click on “Forgot Password” on the Login screen. Additionally, new observers are always welcome - simply go to the above site, click on Login / Register and select the "Register here:" link.
As always, any and all sightings are most welcome. The more, the better. At a minimum I would like for each species to have your
· First sighting during the first half (01 Aug – 30 Sep) of the season
· Last sighting during the first half (01 Aug - 30 Sep) of the season
· First sighting during the second half (01 Oct - 30 Nov) of the season
· Last sighting during the second half (01 Oct - 30 Nov) of the season
Thanks and have a great time birding this winter,
Jeffrey S. Palmer
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Date: 12/2/25 4:55 am
From: N Drilling via groups.io <dril0008...>
Subject: [sd-birds] Badlands CBC rescheduled for Jan. 1, 2026 |
The Badlands CBC has been rescheduled for Jan. 1, 2026 with a bad-weather
date of Jan 3. A great way to start the new year, with amazing scenery and
perhaps a few birds for your new year list. Contact me if interested.
Nancy
On Tue, 25 Nov 2025 at 12:03, N Drilling <dril0008...> wrote:
> The Badlands Christmas Bird Count will be Sunday, December 28th, with a
> bad-weather date of Jan. 1, 2026. Please contact me off-list if you are
> interested in participating.
>
> Nancy Drilling
> Rapid City/Aberdeen
>
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Date: 12/1/25 1:12 pm
From: Judy Hengen via groups.io <judyhengen...>
Subject: [sd-birds] Canyon Lake Park Survey, RC, Pennington Co. Dec. 1, 2025 |
Canyon Lake Park Survey, Rapid City, Pennington County
Dec. 1, 2025 7:15 AM – 10:00 AM
Surveyors: Laural Bidwell, Judy Hengen, Jackie Stucky-Strom
Conditions: Temp: Start: 9 End: 19 Wind (Beaufort Scale): 0 -1
Cloud Cover: 0 Clear Weather: sunny, bright, some mist from lake 60%
frozen
SPECIES: 27 INDIVIDUALS: 2468
Snow Goose 1
Cackling Goose 11
Canada Goose 2000
Wood Duck 1
Gadwall 71
American Wigeon 8
Mallard 145
Northern Pintail 2 FOS
Canvasback 1 FOS
Redhead 13
Ring-necked Duck 41
Lesser Scaup 3 FOS
Bufflehead 44
Common Goldeneye 17
Hooded Merganser 7
Common Merganser 17
Rock Pigeon 35
Eurasian Collared-Dove 16
American Coot 5
Great Blue Heron 3
Bald Eagle 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Belted Kingfisher 2
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 1
European Starling 16
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Date: 11/30/25 10:07 pm
From: KC Jensen via groups.io <kcjensen55...>
Subject: [sd-birds] Varied Thrush - Brookings County |
I observed a male Varied Thrush in eastern Brookings County on Friday the 28th. It had been visiting the feeder area of the homeowner since the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. To date, it’s still hanging around.
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Date: 11/28/25 2:51 pm
From: Ricky Olson via groups.io <olsonr088...>
Subject: [sd-birds] Long-tailed Duck |
Finally a sea duck at Pierre this fall. Today in snow storm I observed a
Long-tailed Duck with geese at Hipple Lake - Farm Island State Park.
Bad photo on snow.
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Date: 11/28/25 1:04 pm
From: Judy Hengen via groups.io <judyhengen...>
Subject: [sd-birds] Outdoor Campus West Survey, RC, Pennington Co. Nov. 28 2025 |
Outdoor Campus West Survey, Rapid City, Pennington County
Nov. 28, 2025 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Surveyors: Rachel Benton, Laural Bidwell, Judy Hengen
Conditions: Temp: Start: 21 End: 23 Wind (Beaufort Scale): 0 to 1
Cloud Cover: 100% to 95% Weather: full low clouds, humid air, cold-
Icy edges on ponds
SPECIES: 25 INDIVIDUALS: 486
Canada Goose 4
Gadwall 1
American Wigeon 10
Mallard 87
Ring-necked Duck 5 FOS
Bufflehead 1
Rock Pigeon 12
Eurasian Collared-Dove 21
Belted Kingfisher 3
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 10
Blue Jay 12
American Crow 6
Black-capped Chickadee 16
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
Pygmy Nuthatch 2
European Starling 107
Townsend’s Solitaire 21
American Robin 74
Cedar Waxwing 31
House Sparrow 4
House Finch 14
Dark-eyed Junco 38
Northern Cardinal 1
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Date: 11/28/25 12:54 pm
From: D. George Prisbe-Przybysz via groups.io <prisbe.przybysz...>
Subject: [sd-birds] possible east River gyr |
about an hour ago I observed a possible gyrfalcon, on the hamlin/brookings
county line just a couple of miles east of lake poinsett. unfortunately i
was traveling north at 60mph and the bird was headed south at dog knows
what speed! at a distance of probably 50 yards, clearly a falcon, pointed
wings, gray, powerful flight. unfortunately there was a vehicle behind me
and by the time i was able to stop and turn around i could not relocate the
bird!
george prisbe
wasserstadt
"poetry is the shadow cast by our streetlight imaginations." - lawrence
ferlinghetti, american poet
"People who believe in absurdities will eventually commit atrocities." -
Voltaire
"the world knows many religions, but Nature has but one truth" - manly p
hall
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Date: 11/25/25 10:24 am
From: N Drilling via groups.io <dril0008...>
Subject: [sd-birds] Summer issue of SD Bird Notes available; Dec. 5 deadline for Fall issue |
The summer issue of SD Bird Notes is now available to SDOU members on the
SDOU.org web site.
If you are not a current SDOU member, there is a two-year lag in the issues
that you are able to download from the web site. A great reason to become a
SDOU member - access to hot-off-the-press Bird Notes!
In addition, if you wish to contribute any articles to the Fall issue,
please send to me at editor AT sdoubird.org. Photo submissions go to Kelly
Preheim
*Contents summer issue*
President’s Page, by Chris Anderson
Announcements
SDOU Scholarships and Awards 2025, by Ricky D. Olson
The Mary Baylor Endowment Fund, by Ricky D. Olson
Addendum: Distributional Checklist of South Dakota Birds – December 2024
Update, by Jeffrey S. Palmer
Notable Sightings: June – August 2025, by Ricky D. Olson
Summer Season Bird Photos, compiled by Kelly Preheim
The 2024-2025 Winter Season, compiled by Chris Anderson
Nancy Drilling
Editor, SD Bird Notes
Rapid City/Aberdeen
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Date: 11/25/25 10:03 am
From: N Drilling via groups.io <dril0008...>
Subject: [sd-birds] Badlands Christmas Bird Count - Dec. 28th |
The Badlands Christmas Bird Count will be Sunday, December 28th, with a
bad-weather date of Jan. 1, 2026. Please contact me off-list if you are
interested in participating.
Nancy Drilling
Rapid City/Aberdeen
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Date: 11/24/25 12:42 pm
From: Judy Hengen via groups.io <judyhengen...>
Subject: [sd-birds] Canyon Lake Park Survey, RC, Pennington Co. Nov. 24, 2025 |
Canyon Lake Park Survey, Rapid City, Pennington County
Nov. 24, 2025 7:00 AM – 9:15 AM
Surveyors: Rachel Benton, Judy Hengen, Jackie Stucky-Strom
Conditions: Temp: Start: 39 End: 43 Wind (Beaufort Scale): 1
Cloud Cover: 80% to 50% Weather: dark to partly cloudy
SPECIES: 23 INDIVIDUALS: 598
Canada Goose 252
Gadwall 61
American Wigeon 6
Mallard 97
Bufflehead 24
Common Goldeneye 2 FOS
Hooded Merganser 1
Common Merganser 13
Rock Pigeon 44
Eurasian Collared-Dove 9
American Coot 17
Great Blue Heron 3
Bald Eagle 2
Belted Kingfisher 4
Northern Flicker 2
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 1
European Starling 22
Townsend’s Solitaire 2
American Robin 1
House Sparrow 21
House Finch 10
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Date: 11/22/25 4:31 pm
From: Vic Fondy via groups.io <treasurecreek...>
Subject: [sd-birds] WW to Battle Creek and Return |
The Snowy Owl report in Lincoln County motivated us to look for Owls and
Raptors North of Belle Fourche today. We birded from WW to St. Onge
then Crooked Oaks Rd to Orman, Arpan Rd to Brooker road and N to Battle
Creek on old US 85/Harding Road. Harding road had only one distant
raptor, and no Owl sightings. The only other sightings on Harding Road
were about 200 European Starlings and five American Widgeons on a small
pond plus some Horned Larks. Our raptor sightings today were mostly in
the St. Onge area and consisted of 1 Rough-legged, 2 Red-tailed Hawks,
one American Kestrel, and two unidentified hawks. Â We also had a mature
Bald Eagle just south of Whitewood on Crook City Road. The North
country had almost no birds except for Horned Larks on Brooker Rd and
the lower half of Harding Road. We scanned south Orman Dam which had a
few Canada Geese and lots of Ring-billed Gulls.
No new sightings at our feeders 1.5 miles south of Whitewood.
Vic/Donna Fondy 605.269.2553.
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Date: 11/22/25 9:45 am
From: Anne Lewis via groups.io <annelewis.pierre...>
Subject: Re: [sd-birds] Pierre/Ft Pierre CBC |
FYI for Pierre/Fort Pierre Bird Count. An organizational meeting will be
held at 7pm Dec 11 at the South Dakota Discovery Center. A zoom option is
provided. You must register for the event to receive the Zoom link:
https://mms.sd-discovery.org/Calendar/moreinfo.php?eventid=188767
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anne Lewis
Pierre, SD
On Tue, Nov 11, 2025 at 6:25 PM Ricky Olson via groups.io <olsonr088=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> The Pierre/Ft Pierre CBC. Will be held Sunday December 14th. I am the
> compiler and contact if interested in participating.
>
>
>
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Date: 11/22/25 7:26 am
From: David Strom via groups.io <djstrom...>
Subject: [sd-birds] Outdoor Campus West Survey 11-21-25 |
The weekly survey at the Outdoor Campus West was conducted on Friday, November 21, 2025 by Judy Hengen, Rachel Benton, Laural Bidwell and Jackie Stucky-Strom. 28 species were identified with a total of 329 individuals.
Canada Goose-3
Gadwall-1
American Wigeon-4
Mallard-37
Green Wing Teal-1
Rock Pigeon-28
Eurasian Collared Dove-18
Red Tail Hawk-1
Belted Kingfisher-1
Downy Woodpecker-3
Hairy Woodpecker-1
Northern Flicker-4
American Kestrel-1
Blue Jay-9
American Crow-3
Cedar Waxwing-18
Black Capped Chickadee-6
Pygmy Nuthatch-8
European Starling-34
Townsend's Solitaire-8
American Robin-54
House Sparrow-8
House Finch-27
American Goldfinch-6
Song Sparrow-1
Dark Eyed Junco-21
Red Wing Blackbird-21
Northern Cardinal-2
Start Time: 7:00 AM, 32 degrees, Sky-30% cloud cover, Wind-0
End Time: 10:00 AM, 45 degrees, Sky-30% cloud Cover, Wind-0
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Date: 11/19/25 10:05 am
From: Chris Anderson via groups.io <canderson1...>
Subject: [sd-birds] Snowy Owl, Lincoln County |
Following an eBird report from Lisa Sandoz of a Snowy Owl south of Sioux Falls this morning, I made a quick trip down to look for it. It was in a bit of a dangerous spot around the I-29 ramps at exit 62.
Chris Anderson
Sioux Falls, SD
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Date: 11/19/25 10:01 am
From: kpreheim via groups.io <kpreheim...>
Subject: [sd-birds] Pacific Loon - Lewis and Clark Lake |
Yesterday afternoon, I birded at the Gavin's Point Dam and the Lewis and
Clark Recreational Area for a bit. I was happy to see some birds I don't
often see. I saw a Pacific Loon hanging out with some Common Loons at
the west end of the campground - east of the swimming beach. The Pacific
Loon comes up rare on eBird, so that is always kind of fun to find
something a bit different. I also saw a Red-necked Grebe, Eared Grebes
and Horned Grebes. I saw two White-winged Scoters fly by me twice. There
were many Eastern Bluebirds and some Yellow-rumped Warblers in one
location. There were hundreds of scaup and American Coots on Lewis and
Clark Lake. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to locate the Long-tailed Duck
that Roger Dietrich had seen previously. I was impressed with how bird-y
it was there. Hopefully, these species will stick around for the Yankton
Christmas Bird Count on December 14th. It was a very overcast day, so
unfortunately my attached photos are subpar.
11-18-25
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Date: 11/19/25 7:05 am
From: Chris Anderson via groups.io <canderson1...>
Subject: [sd-birds] Canton CBC - January 3 |
The Canton Christmas Bird Count will be held Saturday, January 3. Please let me know if you are interested in participating.
Chris Anderson
Sioux Falls, SD
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Date: 11/18/25 3:48 pm
From: Elizabeth Krueger via groups.io <spearlodge...>
Subject: [sd-birds] Ovenbird? |
Today in the Bearlodge Mountains, just over the border in Wyoming, I saw a bird that looked like an ovenbird and acted like an ovenbird, but mid-November isn't when I expect them to be around. It was in dense undergrowth in a pine forest, hopping from branch to branch within a few feet of the ground, often with the tail raised. I distinctly saw stripes on the head, and tail feathers that were dark underneath, but I didn't get a good look at the front. The tail maybe seemed longer than an ovenbird's and I didn't notice an eye ring. Of course I didn't have binoculars and it was quiet and sneaky.
Elizabeth Krueger
Spearfish
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Date: 11/17/25 1:41 pm
From: Judy Hengen via groups.io <judyhengen...>
Subject: [sd-birds] Canyon Lake Park Survey, RC, Pennington Co. Nov. 17, 2025 |
Canyon Lake Park Survey, Rapid City, Pennington County
Nov. 17, 2025 7:00 AM – 9:05 AM
Surveyors: Rachel Benton, Laural Bidwell, Judy Hengen, Carol Johnson,
Jackie Stucky-Strom
Conditions: Temp: Start: 37 End: 41 Wind (Beaufort Scale): 0 to 1
Cloud Cover: 95% to 100% Weather: cloudy, humid and showers at end
SPECIES: 25 INDIVIDUALS: 1030
Snow Goose 1
Cackling Goose 2
Canada Goose 681
Wood Duck 1
Gadwall 74
Mallard 76
Redhead 1
Bufflehead 13
Hooded Merganser 1
Common Merganser 9
Rock Pigeon 35
Eurasian Collared-Dove 6
American Coot 18
Great Blue Heron 3
Bald Eagle 1
Belted Kingfisher 4
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 5
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 1
European Starling 66
Townsend’s Solitaire 1
American Robin 4
House Sparrow 21
House Finch 1
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Date: 11/17/25 1:19 pm
From: Vic Fondy via groups.io <treasurecreek...>
Subject: [sd-birds] WW amd Bear Bitte :ale |
We made a brief visit today at the south side of Bear Butte Lake .Â
Sightings included a few Gray Partridges, and on the lakea pod of Lesser
Scaup plus one FOS *Trumpeter Swan*.
At our feeders 1.5 miles south of Whitewood American Goldfinch returned
on 11/14 and we still have lots of fall residents. The Sharp-shinned
Hawk was by again on 11/5. Cedar Waxwings have been totally absent on
our field trips, but we had a flock of about 20 stop here briefly on
11/15/25.
Vic/Donna Fondy 605.269.2553
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Date: 11/16/25 10:34 am
From: Chris Anderson via groups.io <canderson1...>
Subject: [sd-birds] Sioux Falls CBC - Saturday, Dec. 20 |
The 86th Sioux Falls Christmas Bird Count will take place on Saturday, December 20. If you are interested in participating as a a field observer or home feeder watcher, please let me know.
Chris Anderson
Sioux Falls, SD
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Date: 11/14/25 3:36 pm
From: David Strom via groups.io <djstrom...>
Subject: [sd-birds] Outdoor Campus West Survey 11-14-2025 |
The weekly survey at the Outdoor Campus West was conducted on Friday, November 14, 2025, by Judy Hengen, Rachel Benton, Laural Bidwell and Jackie Stucky-Strom. 21 species were identified with a total of 253 individuals.
Canada Goose-8
Gadwall -2
Mallard-56
American Wigeon-20
Green Wing Teal-3
Rock Pigeon-14
Eurasian Collared Dove-16
Belted Kingfisher-1
Northern Flicker-4
Blue Jay-4
American Crow-3
Black Capped Chickadee-5
Cedar Waxwing-15
Pygmy Nuthatch-5
European Starling-24
Townsend's Solitaire-8
American Robin-35
House Sparrow-7
House Finch-20
Song Sparrow-1
Dark Eyed Junco-2
Start Time: 6:45 AM, 60 degrees, Sky- 40% cloud covered, Wind-3
End Time: 9:30 AM, 69 degrees, Sky-100% cloud covered, Wind-4
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