Bird Watching at Wind Cave National Park

Bestowed the National Park title by President Theodore Roosevelt, the Wind Cave National Park was the first cave in the world to be designated the title. It is also the seventh place to be called as such. The 33,847 acres in the west of South Dakota is 10 miles to Hot Spring town’s north. The park consists mainly of a cave with frostwork and box work. It is in Custer county and United States’ third longest cave.

Major Attractions at Wind Cave National Park

While exploring the cave is always a fun option, you can do many other things in the park. Additionally, you can always do birdwatching on the side. Hiking is the first and foremost option. There are hiking trails of thirty miles, and you have the opportunity of seeing the Black Hills during hiking. You can also observe the wildlife or explore the ponderosa forests or the prairie vistas.

There is the Prairie Dog Town where you can spend time with the adorable Prairie Dogs. Camping in the backcountry of Wind Cave is another soothing experience. Some might like taking up on the biking or driving tour offer. The park does not have a horse riding center. But if you have your own horse, you can bring your friend and explore the scenic routes with them.

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Bird Watching at Wind Cave National Park

There have been 410 bird species seen filtering in and out of South Dakota. In the case of Wind Cave National Park, at least 100 bird species consider it their home. A lot more choose this place as their fall and spring migration stoppage. However, the best of them seem to gather close to the visitor center.

The area surrounding the visitor center has a mixed habitat, attracting all kinds of bird species. You could be taking a picnic on the campground and suddenly hear the sweet melody of a Yellow-breasted Chat. Is it a national park if a Western Meadowlark does not show up once? The joy of experiencing Brown Thrasher imitate their peers. Cedar
Waxwings are harder to spot because of how often they fly in between the trees.

The Prairie Vista Trail is a one-mile loop beginning and ending in the visitor center. One comes across Cooper’s Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, Mountain Bluebirds, and various other prairie birds along the trail.

It is possible to birdwatch without taking one step away from the campground here. The ponderosa stands often attract species that prefer forest habitats. For example, Red-headed Woodpeckers and Northern Flickers consider the area their home. While Black-backed Woodpeckers are rare in the east, they do sometimes show up here.

The access to the Elk Mountain Campground Trail begins from the parking spot, and you choose to either take the prairie forest path or the ponderosa forest. The evening might bring in the calls of Common Nighthawk. But, in the trees, Western Tanager and House Wren might be living in peace.

10 Birds to See at Wind Cave National Park

Brown Thrasher

Brown Thrashers are brown with long legs, long tails, and yellow eyes. They are the only birds in the Thrasher species that live east of Texas. They are common and widespread birds, but some decline has taken place in their population. Their habitat is in brush, shrubbery, and thickets. They are secretive birds, hiding in shrubs. Their diet includes nuts, berries, and insects. They lay 4 eggs and build their nests lower to the ground in bushes or trees. Brown Thrashers are permanent residents in the south, but the northern Brown Thrashers migrate.

Cedar Waxwing

Cedar Waxwings have a silky, shiny body that is brown and gray. They have a black mask on their face, a small crest, and red tips on their wings. Cedar Waxwings live throughout North America. Their population is steady and has even increased in recent years. They make their homes in orchards of fruiting trees and in open woodlands. This Waxwing has a high-thin whistle. Many times you will hear a Cedar Waxwing before you will see them. They love to eat fruit and berries. These birds lay 3 to 5 eggs and build nests near other Cedar Waxwings. They do not have a set migratory pattern but are considered nomadic, moving around irregularly.

Cooper’s Hawk

Cooper’s Hawks are blue-gray with reddish-brown underparts. They are smaller than most Hawks but are still just as fast. They are woodland Hawks that live throughout North America. There was a small decline in their population, but has since recovered and is stable. This Hawk lives in mature forests and along the woods’ edge. Cooper’s Hawks feed mostly on small birds and sometimes consume chipmunks and squirrels. They lay 3 to 5 eggs in an old nest high up in pine trees. Cooper’s Hawks migrate during the day moving south for the winter.

Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawks have wide, round wings, and a short red tail. They are the most common Hawk throughout North America. Their population is steady with some recent increases. Red-tailed Hawks live in open fields, prairie groves, and mountains. These birds perch up high to look for their prey. They eat small animals like rabbits and voles. They lay 2 to 3 eggs in nests 120 feet high in trees. Their nests are made with sticks and shaped like a big bowl. Red-tailed Hawks residing in the north migrate south; however, those already in the south are permanent residents.

Mountain Bluebird

Mountain Bluebirds are a powder-blue color. They live in the mountain region of western North America. Their population is stable and not at risk of being endangered. Mountain Bluebirds make their homes in the open country where there are few trees. These Bluebirds sit perched on fence posts, power lines, and treetops. This allows them the ability to make a quick dive for food. Mountain Bluebirds eat insects and some berries. They lay 5 to 6 eggs and nest in a tree, birdhouse, or dirt bank. They migrate late in the fall and early in the spring.

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-headed Woodpeckers are black and white with red heads. They live in rural areas throughout the eastern United States. They have declined in population, but are not endangered. Their homes are in orchards, shade trees, and sometimes on farms. Red-headed Woodpeckers do not act like most Woodpeckers. They will catch insects in the air to eat. They also like to eat nuts and acorns. When it is winter, they will store food in trees to eat later. They lay 4 to 5 eggs and build their nests in dead trees. Red-headed Woodpeckers migrate with the season, moving south in the winter, but only short distances.

Northern Flicker

Northern Flickers are large with a brown and white body. They also have spots on their underparts. They live throughout North America. Their population has declined, but they are still abundant and not at risk of being endangered. They make their homes in open forests, groves, and woodlots. Northern Flickers eat mainly ants and beetles. They nest in small holes in trees much like other Woodpeckers. They lay 5 to 8 eggs. Most Northern Flickers migrate south for the winter.

Eastern Bluebird

Eastern Bluebirds have a royal blue back and head. Their chest is a red-brown color. They primarily live in the eastern United States. Eastern Bluebirds have had a recent increase in their population with help from nest boxes. They make their homes on farms and in open country. These birds have been sited as far south as Nicaragua in Central America. They like to eat insects, berries, and fruit. Eastern Bluebirds will come to a feeder if you have mealworms. They build their nests out of grass, weeds, twigs, and sometimes feathers and animal hair. They lay 4 to 5 eggs. Eastern Bluebirds are generally permanent residents; however, Bluebirds in the north migrate in spring and fall.

Wild Turkey

Wild Turkeys are large birds with long legs and small heads. You can find them throughout North America. Their population at one time was in great decline, but has recovered and is not at risk of endangerment. They usually live in mature forests, along roads, or in wooded backyards. They travel in flocks and roam the ground looking for nuts, insects, and berries. Wild Turkeys usually look for food in the early morning hours. They lay 10 to 15 eggs and make their nests on the ground at the base of trees. They are not migratory birds.

Burrowing Owl

Burrowing Owls are small and brown with yellow eyes. You can find them throughout the western United States, generally where there is a population of squirrels or prairie dogs. They are considered endangered. These Owls make their homes in prairies and farmlands. They hunt for food on the ground during the day. Burrowing Owls eat mice, squirrels, voles, and insects. They lay anywhere from 3 to 12 eggs. Their nests are burrows in the ground 6 to 10 feet long. Burrowing Owls found in the north migrate to the south.

Final Thoughts

Park rangers at the Wind Cave National Park often offer early morning bird tours during the summer season. You can learn about the inhabitants of the park from them. It is good to have your binoculars with you.

Ornithology

Bird Watching Academy & Camp Subscription Boxes

At the Bird Watching Academy & Camp we help kids, youth, and adults get excited and involved in bird watching. We have several monthly subscription boxes that you can subscribe to. Our monthly subscription boxes help kids, youth, and adults learn about birds, bird watching, and bird conservation.

Bird Watching Binoculars

The most common types of bird watching binoculars for viewing birds at Wind Cave National Park is the 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. Bird Watching Academy & Camp sells really nice 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. You can view and purchase them here.