Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 10, 2004
For more information: Emilie Miller, 773-4235

STATE PARKS PRIME PLACES FOR SPRING BIRDWATCHING

PIERRE - Spring is a great time for bird watching, and South Dakota state parks provide some of the best opportunities in the state. Aided with free publications from the state parks, even the beginning bird watcher can start checking species off his or her list.

"The spring migration offers an excellent opportunity to view a wide variety of birds," says Linda Sandness, avid birder and coordinator of visitor services with the Game, Fish and Parks Division of Parks and Recreation. "If you enjoy nature, all you need to do is take your binoculars and head to your local park."

The Bird Watching Guide for SD State Parks booklet enables both beginning and expert bird watchers to pursue their hobby. The 28-page booklet outlines where and when birders can view unique bird species in state parks throughout South Dakota. In addition to the best birding locations, readers will also find photos of birds and useful bird watching tips throughout the booklet.

While every state park offers bird watching opportunities, the booklet highlights 17 state parks and recreation areas that consistently produce rare and uncommon sightings. Parks include Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve in North Sioux City, Oakwood Lakes State Park near Brookings, Hartford Beach State Park near Milbank, Farm Island and Oahe Downstream recreation areas near Pierre and Bear Butte State Park near Sturgis.

Also available is the Birding Checklist, the companion piece to the Bird Watching Guide. The Birding Checklist lists the bird species found in South Dakota, including rare/accidental species, and the time of the year each can commonly be seen.

The Bird Watching Guide and Birding Checklist are sponsored in part by a grant from the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program. The Bird Watching Guide was also produced in partnership with the S.D. Department of Health in an effort to promote healthy living through physical activity.

These publications and others are available at your local state park or by contacting the division office at (605) 773-3391 or e-mail parkinfo@state.sd.us. In addition, both publications are available online for free download at www.sdgfp.info/Parks, along with more information on activities in South Dakota state parks.

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