10,000 Birds

AUGUST 2, 2013

Severe fires create snags, they germinate seeds and sprout fungus, and most of all they create food and habitat for insects that in turn feed birds like Black-backed Woodpecker and Olive-sided Flycatcher , and encourage even some generalists like other woodpeckers and wrens.

Endangered Species 164

Endangered Species South Dakota Woodpeckers Sheep 164

10,000 Birds

MAY 11, 2012

The first resurrection, or more properly resurfacing, of the black-footed ferret happened in 1964, in Mellette County, South Dakota. American scientists, realizing belatedly how embarrassing it was to know so little about a species right in the heart of their own continent, rushed to study this remnant population.

Ferrets 203

Ferrets South Dakota Wyoming Captive Animal 203

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 15, 2014

” Note how well camouflaged this bird is atop a snag in its natural habitat of burned coniferous forest. Black-backed Woodpeckers are non-migratory, although there have been documented intermittent irruptions of the species outside their normal range. Range map courtesy of South Dakota Birds and Birding.

Woodpeckers 178

Woodpeckers California South Dakota Chad 178