June 2-3, 2023 | Brandon, SD
Birds. At Home, on the Range
Free to current SDGC members and students; $35 per person for non-members (which includes a 1 year SDGC membership). Meals are included.
Register Here
About the Event
This year’s Bird watching tour will be hosted by Jeff & Kim Zimprich. Bring your digital camera & binoculars. Wearing appropriate clothing and sturdy, enclosed footwear for walking on uneven terrain, changing weather conditions and protection from the elements and injury is recommended.
Join Us
June 2-3, 2023 | Brandon, SD
Located at Pasque Hill on Beaver Creek.
FREE to current members
Join us for the annual bird watching tour: Birds. At Home, on the Range. You will be glad you did!
- Watch, photograph and record bird species, livestock and wildlife
- Hear presentations from land owners and conservation experts
- Learn the connections between birds and livestock
- Enjoy two days on the beautiful South Dakota prairie
Ready to Register?
See below for lodging options. There is a rodeo that weekend, so book your lodging reservations now! If you prefer to register by mail, click here to download the flyer.
Bird Tour Agenda
Driving Directions: From Highmore, SD travel 11 ½ Miles North on SD Hwy 47, turn east on 186th St. & travel for 2 miles. Watch for signs – roads will be marked.
Lodging: Highmore offers several lodging options:
- Prairie View Motel, 605-852-2261
- R&R Pheasant Hunting, LLC, 605-290-4138
- Hydeout Bed & Breakfast, 605-852-2540
Friday, June 3rd
3:25 – 4 pm ~ Gather at Daybreak Ranch/Faulstich’ s
4:00 – 4:15 ~ Welcome and Introduction to the SD Grassland Coalition
4:15 – 5:00 ~ History of Daybreak Ranch Jim Faulstich, Ranch Owner
5:00 – 5:45 ~ Bird Identification Silka Kempema, SDGFP Wildlife Biologist
5:45 – 6:45 ~ Supper and Refreshments
6:45 – 7:30 ~ Habitat Presentation: Grassland Birds Kristel Bakker, DSU
7:30 ~ Birding
5:30 am ~ Gather at Daybreak/Faulstich’s
5:30 – 5:55 ~ Sunrise Coffee and Rolls
6:00 – 8:35 ~ Bird Watch/Record Species
8:35 – 10:45 ~ Groups rotate to different stations: (40 minutes per station)
- 1. Nest Dragging
Kristel Bakker - 2. Plant Identification
Sandy Smart, SDSU - 3. The How & Why of Bird Banding
- 4. Insect ID/pollinators
Catherine Beall, Pheasants Forever
10:45 – 11:05 ~ Break/Discuss Group Highlights Share memory cards for slideshowSilka Kempema, SD GFP
11:05 – 11:35 ~ Rainfall Simulator, Kent Vlieger, NRCS, State Soil Health Specialist
11:35 – 12:35 ~ Lunch and Slideshow
12:40 – 1:30 ~Grass Manager’s View Jim Faulstich
12:40 – 1:30 ~ Kids’ Activities Pollinator Balls
2:00 ~ Closing Comments
About South Dakota Grasslands Coalition
Highmore offers
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