The Ft. Pierre National Grasslands was a stopping point to our final destination, Custer State Park in South Dakota. Custer is a wonderful park with rolling hills, herds of bison, beautiful lakes, and views of Mt. Rushmore. I cannot recommend it enough (CLICK HERE to see an informational brochure about this special place).
As mentioned above, there is a herd of about 1,000 bison in the park. While driving the 18 mile wildlife drive within the park you can come upon part of the herd at any turn.
We also saw Pronghorn Antelope, Elk, White-tailed Deer, and Big-horned Sheep during our drives around. We went up to the Bison Interpretive Center for a break and took a trail from the parking lot in search of birds. Although we saw birds in many places during our stay in the park, the Bison Center Trail was one of the most productive.
Vesper Sparrows are rare in Illinois so I was pleased to get a great look at one right off the trail. For whatever reason the images of this bird came out very sharp for me.
Have you ever had a bird that wants to show off its catch for you? This Lark Sparrow held a grasshopper in its beak and perched in a small pine not far from me for the longest time. I love the colorful striping on the head.
Here’s another view of the same Lark Sparrow.
I couldn’t get enough of this American Goldfinch as it fed on what looked like a large dandelion. It would pluck off one white fluffy seed, eat the soft end, drop it, and then pluck another one and begin anew.
I was eager to see a Mountain Bluebird and was rewarded with this one – such a prominent blue.
Finally, Spotted Towhee were perhaps the most numerous species there in Custer. Towhee usually like to perch low and sing often. Here’s one that was buried in the brush.
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