Birding
Every season brings fresh opportunities for bird watching in the Pierre area, with diverse native species occupying local woods, prairies and wetlands. The area is also an important corridor for many varieties of migratory birds. The bald eagle is one of several threatened and endangered species seen in the Pierre area; others include the burrowing owl, prairie falcon, interior least tern and the piping plover.
Late fall and winter offer excellent birding at Oahe Dam.
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Common birds include several varieties of gulls, ducks and mergansers, typically found near the stilling basin and the open water of the river.
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Watch for black-legged kittiwake, jaegers and the yellow-billed loon, too, as well as the pair of barn owls living in the tower at the top of the dam.
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In the winter, burrowing owls are found in nearby hills, along with grouse, gyrfalcons, hawks and golden eagles.
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The surrounding woodlands serve as a stopping point for many neotropical migrants.
The best birding in the Oahe Downstream
Recreation Area is found in late spring through
summer and late fall through winter along the
shore of the Missouri River and the Cottonwood
Path hiking trail. The park is the only known
South Dakota breeding location of
Chuck-Will’s-Widow, a species of nightjar.
Oahe Downstream is also one of the best state
parks for viewing bald eagles, which often perch
high in trees along the riverbank and nest in
the area from November to February. Observe the
birds’ roosting sites from the road only; bald
eagles are sensitive to human interference and
may abandon a roost if disturbed. You’ll know if
you’ve gotten too close — the birds make a
guttural barking sound when they feel threatened
by humans.
The Exploration Nature Trail at Farm Island
Recreation Area offers good viewing
opportunities from late April through early
June, as a variety of small migrants — vireos,
thrushes, warblers and sparrows — pass through
the area. Warbler migration peaks in mid-May,
and by the end of the month Farm Island’s summer
residents have arrived: yellow- and black-billed
cuckoos, least and great crested flycatchers,
Bell’s vireo, black-headed and blue grosbeaks,
the spotted towhee, the yellow-breasted chat,
the indigo bunting and the green heron.
Held on weekends throughout the year, the Walk
in the Park series of guided, educational hikes
takes participants through Oahe Downstream, Farm
Island, LaFramboise Island and other state parks
to learn about local birds and other wildlife.
The walks are led by parks staff and volunteers.
Topics scheduled for 2008 include bald eagles,
owls and identifying various local birds.
For more information about Walks in the Park or
birding in state parks, visit the South Dakota
Game, Fish and Parks Web site,
www.sdgfp.info.
