Welcome what’s loosely my companion blog to South Dakota Birds and Birding, my main website. Much of the focus of the Dakota Birder blog is on birding, but given my interest in environmental issues and climate change, there will also be plenty of information on other topics as well. Topics include:
- Recent birding trips and photos
- Photo stories, describing the experience of getting a specific photo
- “In the News”, news stories involving birds and birding
- Conservation issues, involving news or related material about conservation of habitats and the creatures that live in them.
- Science/Research, highlighting new research in ornithology and related topics.
- Politics — Unavoidable when you talk about climate change, conservation, and other political issues, particularly given the shocking anti-science culture out there in America. These things HAVE to be talked about, at the risk of losing the resources we love. And, given my very strong, very liberal political opinions, you’re likely to hear about other political issues from time to time.
Check back soon and I hope to keep the NEW South Dakota Birds Blog updated frequently!! And be sure to check out my main site, South Dakota Birds and Birding. The main site has information about all 950+ bird species that have been found in North America, literally THOUSANDS of bird photos, bird quizzes, free calendars, free wallpaper, and more.
NOTE THAT ALL OPINIONS ON THIS SITE ARE MINE AND MINE ALONE, and do not represent the views or an endorsement on behalf of any other party.
Nice to see that you are enjoying your new camera lens. In past years, my favorite was a 100 mm macro lens, that was suitable for many things. I especially enjoy that the new “tool” opens a new venue for your picture taking. You already have a wonderful bunch and with your excitement and new perspective, there will be more. Keep on keeping on. Your new pics will undoubtedly be something to appreciate as you understand and work through the perspective of a true photographer.
Just found this great blog, and am very impressed. So glad to see fellow birders in my home state! I love your photography, and will definitely hang around. I do disagree with your opinions regarding falconry, but I will stick around nevertheless!
No problem…sometimes I find I don’t agree with myself! In that opinions change over time. The falconry issue would be FAR less of a problem for me if it weren’t the fact that birds such as Gyrfalcons…quite the special bird and a rarity in the lower 48…are often targeted for collection.
Agreed. In my opinion, it’s just inconsiderate to take Gyrfalcons from the wild, especially when they are such a rare occurrence in South Dakota. There are so many captive-bred ‘Gyrs’ and if you really wanted a wild one, they are pretty common in Alaska. I’m actually quite good friends with a falconer, and they care about the birds a lot. They are extremely invested in conservation, and are actually the reason raptors like peregrines and eagles are still with us. In fact, the falconer I know says she admires gyrs a lot, but wouldn’t take one because she doesn’t feel she could do it justice! I don’t believe falconry is the reason for decreased population, as the number of falconers is actually decreasing. I feel it has more to do with climate change. Either way, this beautiful species deserves protection in all forms. They have such a gorgeous hunting style unlike anything else. If you haven’t seen it, I highly suggest it. Well, now I’m just rambling. I better stop while I still can.
Happy Birding! 🙂
I am moving to Sioux Falls next week. As I sat outside this morning, in Thousand Oaks, California, I realized I am going to miss my birds more than some of the people here. I am so happy to have found your site! I guess I do have some birding to look forward to. Will be looking for our permanent residence while staying in a corporate apartment, if you see a house for sale in the middle of a birding area – contact me! Looking forward to learning lots from you in the future. Thank you!
Thanks to your web site my husband and I safely removed a hummingbird from our garage. After reading your article we let her fly around and after 30 minutes she landed on the feather duster! My husband slowly move the duster forward and down, she took off out the garage. Feel much better that we got her back to her habitat.
Very cool! I’m glad it worked! It’s SO hard getting them out, as they just want to go up, and not down and out even a wide open door. Glad everything went well.
Would like to meet you in person! We have some owls in our back yard at dusk and night. I have asked many what they are some say they are screech owls some say other types. We also have had some hawks landing on my clothes line crossbars and no one can give me a definitive name because they may be adolescents. My phone camera is not great but that is all i have. Please contact me via text first before calling. I’m also on face book. Patricia Azeal Davis. Thank you