South Dakota’s 5 Best Bird Watching Spots This Summer

Written by Abdulmumin Akinde
Updated: October 8, 2022
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The Mount Rushmore National Memorial is the center of some of South Dakota’s best birding sites. However, in addition to the rugged black hills of this memorial park that is home to several bird species, numerous other birding opportunities are spread across diverse landscapes. The entire state has large areas that are predominantly grasslands. However, massive hills, wooded areas, and aquatic habitats provide the perfect nesting and overwintering spots for birds of all kinds. Here are South Dakota’s 5 best bird-watching spots.

1. Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge 

Every year, massive flocks of ducks, geese, and other migratory water birds spend time at the Sand Lake Wildlife Refuge as part of their migratory flight. The refuge is well known among bird watchers who visit to see the over 1 million birds that flock to this site. Aside from this phenomenon which provides a unique opportunity to see several flocking water birds, there are also several nesting birds in this part of North Dakota. 

The Sand Lake National Refuge is a bird-watching spot you can visit for free any time of the year. It is open every weekday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. It has a 15-mile route that circles areas of open water and marshland. Accessibility to the driving routes often depends on the weather at the time of your visit. 

Common Birds At the Sand Lake National Wildlife refuge 

Birds with long necks: Great Egret

You can find egrets in Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

©WildMedia/Shutterstock.com

  • White Faced Ibis
  • Little Blue Heron
  • Great Egret 
  • Cattle Egret
  • Pied-billed Grebe
  • Double-crested Cormorant
  • American Bittern
  • American White Pelican
  • Wilson’s Phalarope
  • Black-crowned Night-Heron
  • American Avocet

2. Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge

The Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge is another pristine location for birdwatchers. It has a diverse habitat which includes 4700 acres of prairie lake, woodlands as well as grasslands. There are at least 200 documented bird species in this location. Given such an array of habitats, it’s easy to see why this refuge hosts such a diverse population of birds. 

This national refuge is open for free every day of the week from sunrise to sunset. However, it may be closed on some days, especially during the hunting season, as part of efforts to protect the bird population. This refuge is a nature hiking trail that takes you through diverse habitats, which includes several ponds and woodlands. The trail ends at Owens Bay, an open water area home to several bird species. 

Common Birds at the Lake Andes National Park 

Baltimore oriole

The Baltimore oriole is common in Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge.

©Agami Photo Agency/Shutterstock.com

  • Baltimore Oriole
  • Yellow-headed Blackbird
  • Western Grebe
  • Red-headed Woodpecker
  • Willow Flycatcher
  • Dickcissel
  • American Bittern
  • Upland Sandpiper
  • Marsh Wren
  • American White Pelican
  • Horned Lark
  • Franklin’s Gull

3. Oakwood Lakes State Park 

Located in South Dakota, the Oakwood Lakes State Park has several glacial lakes and marshlands that naturally attract flocks of migrating water birds. People often visit this park to observe the waterfowl as they pass through the park on their spring migration. At least 20 species of water birds will pass through this park on any given day. In addition to the open water and marshland habitats, there are also grasslands and woodlands, which provide plenty of nesting opportunities. The park is a productive bird-watching site for enthusiasts. 

The state park is open every day from sunrise to sunset, including during holidays. No entrance fee is required to enter. However, you do have to pay for parking. There are several hiking trails which makes it perfect for those who enjoy spending a lot of time hiking or biking. There’s no detailed map or description of these trails, which means you might have to find your way around them on your own. 

Common Birds at the Oakwood Lakes State Park 

American white pelicans are commonly found in Oakwood Lakes State Park.

©Images by Dr. Alan Lipkin/Shutterstock.com

4. Badlands National Park 

The Badlands National Park has some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the entire country, with multi-colored cliffs and other striking landscapes with amazing views. Millions of visitors visit this national park annually because it’s an excellent location for watching birds. Birdwatchers will also find this park a perfect location to visit to catch a glimpse of different bird species. Some of the major hotspots in this location include the Cliff Shelf, Conata Road prairie dog towns, and the woodlands located close to the Sage Creek campground.

The Badlands National Park is a paid location. It is open almost every day of the year except on days when it is closed due to extreme weather conditions. Visitors have to pay a token as an entry fee and pay for other services as well. 

Common birds at the Badlands National Park 

Large Ferruginous Hawk in attack mode with blue sky.

Ferruginous hawks are common birds in Badlands National Park.

©Stephen Mcsweeny/Shutterstock.com

5. Waubay National Wildlife Refuge 

Located near the border of South Dakota and Nebraska, this national refuge is 4650 acres of land with several wetlands and aquatic habitats. This park is home to more than 245 different species of birds. In addition to the nesting birds you can find in this location, it is also a great place to observe various water bird species on their seasonal migration. 

The park is open to the public for free every day from dawn to dusk. It also stays open on national holidays. There are several hiking and driving trails within the Waubay National Wildlife Refuge. In addition to these, you’ll find several backroads that provide great views of Waubay Lake and other potential bird-watching spots you can explore. 

Common birds at the Waubay National Wildlife Refuge 

are owls raptors?

You can find the northern harrier in Waubay National Wildlife Refuge.

©Harry Collins Photography/Shutterstock.com

  • Western Grebe
  • Grasshopper Sparrow
  • Bobolink
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker
  • American Bittern
  • Northern Harrier
  • Yellow-headed Blackbird.
  • Upland Sandpiper
  • Franklin’s Gull
  • Black Tern
  • Marbled Godwit
  • Forster’s Tern
  • Wilson’s Phalarope
  • Marsh Wren

In addition to these South Dakota’s 5 best bird-watching spots, some other notable bird-watching sites you can explore include Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge, Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge, Black Hills/Spearfish Canyon, the Fort Pierre National Grasslands, among others.

Up Next 

Hawaii’s 5 Best Bird-Watching Spots This Summer

Colorado’s 14 Best Bird Watching Spots This Summer

Wisconsin’s 10 Best Bird-Watching Spots This Summer

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Harry Collins Photography/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Abdulmumin is a pharmacist and a top-rated content writer who can pretty much write on anything that can be researched on the internet. However, he particularly enjoys writing about animals, nature, and health. He loves animals, especially horses, and would love to have one someday.

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Sources
  1. Simply South Dakota, Available here: https://southeastsouthdakota.com/outdoor-adventure/bird-watching/
  2. Bird informer (1970) birdinformer.com/birding-south-dakota/
  3. Audubon (1970) audubon.org/news/birding-south-dakota