Register Here
May 30-31, 2025 | Chamberlain, SD
Totton Ranch
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.
About the Event
The 2025 Bird Tour is to be held at the Totton Ranch in Chamberain, SD.
Join Us
May 30-31, 2025 | Chamberlain, SD
Totton Ranch
Chamberlain, SD
Contact: Judge, 605-280-0127
judge.jessop@sdconservation.net
*FREE to current members ($35 for non-members)
You can get a downloadable brochure by clicking HERE.
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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
Click HERE for driving directions.
Bird Tour Agenda
Friday, May 30
3:25 – 4 pm ~ Gather at Totton Ranch
4:00 – 4:15 ~ Welcome and Introduction to the SD Grassland Coalition
4:15 – 5:00 ~ History of Totton Angus Ranch
5:00 – 5:45 ~ Bird Identification
5:45 – 6:45 ~ Supper and Refreshments
6:45 – 7:30 ~ Rainfall Simulator
7:30 ~ Birding
Saturday, May 31
5:30 am ~ Gather at Totton Ranch
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)
10:45 – 11:05 ~ Break/Discuss Group Highlights
11:05 – 11:35 ~ Habitat Presentation: Grassland Birds
11:35 – 12:35 ~ Lunch and Slideshow
12:40 – 1:30 ~ Grass Manager’s View
12:40 – 1:30 ~ Kids’ Activities
2:00 ~ Closing Comments
Driving Directions
Directions From Rapid City SD – Approximately 55 minutes:
1) Head east out of Rapid City, toward the airport on hwy. 44. From the airport turnoff, continue on hwy. 44 for 13 miles.
2) Make a right onto 160th Ave. (Country Corner Store is on the left), and continue to the end of road 9.6 miles.
3) Make a left at the Y (end of the road) onto Lower Spring Creek Road and continue about 6 miles until you come to River Road on the right.
4) Make a right onto River Road and continue about 1.5 miles. Make a left turn at the blue house marker #25152. Proceed slowly down driveway, to navigate the bumps in the road, and also to be alert of young dogs, old dogs, smart dogs, and not-so-smart dogs. You have arrived!
Directions From Hermosa SD – Approximately 45 minutes:
1) Head east through Hermosa on Hwy 40 and continue about 8 miles.
2) Make a left onto Lower Spring Creak Cut Off. *This turn is easy to miss, so look for an Orange Iron Works sign on the right, a bit before the turn.
3) After about 7.4 miles make a slight right onto Spring Creek Road. Continue on Spring Creek Road for about 11 miles to River Road. *If you are questioning the turns, just always stay to the right.
4) Make a right onto River Road and continue about 1.5 miles. Make a left turn at the blue house marker #25152. Proceed slowly down driveway, to navigate the bumps in the road, and also to be alert of young dogs, old dogs, smart dogs, and not-so-smart dogs. You have arrived!
Directions from Scenic SD – Approximately 45 minutes:
1) From the edge of the town Scenic, on hwy. 44, continue west on hwy. 44 for 11 miles to Creston Road. *This is also marked by a Pete Lien & Sons Quarry sign on the left.
2) Make a left onto Creston Road, and continue about 12.5 miles to River Road. *Note: Creston Road changes to Spring Creek Road at last major curve.
3) Make a left onto River Road and continue about 1.5 miles. Make a left turn at the blue house marker #25152. Proceed slowly down driveway, to navigate the bumps in the road, and also to be alert of young dogs, old dogs, smart dogs, and not-so-smart dogs. You have arrived!