South Dakota Birds And Wildlife

Nature's Sculptures

A MW from the mystic Bisti Badlands. I had the opportunity to spend a fair bit of time last year among these amazing structures. The distant coyotes kept me company during the night.

Towers of Wonder

The hoodoos at Lybrook Badlands are truly a sight to behold, with their fascinating shapes and the warm colors of the surrounding rock formations creating a mesmerizing landscape. The hoodoos, which are tall, thin rock formations, were created through a process of erosion over many years. The unique shapes of the hoodoos are due to the soft rock that forms the core of the structure and the harder rock that forms the cap. Over time, elements such as wind and rain erode the softer rock, leaving behind the tall, column-like formations.

Nature's sculptures bathed in Starlight

In the still of the night, the Lybrook Badlands came alive as the ancient hoodoos stood tall and proud under the twinkling blanket of the Milky Way. The ethereal light of the galaxy cast eerie shadows across the weathered rock formations, giving them a mysterious, otherworldly quality. The hoodoos, shaped over centuries by wind and water erosion, seemed to reach for the stars as if trying to touch the infinite beauty of the night sky. In this moment, the Lybrook Badlands were a true marvel of nature, showcasing the power of the elements and the majesty of the universe.

The Sleeping Dragon

A celestial canvas painted by starlight, made this desert landscape of sculpted rock formations look like a dragon resting. The Bisti Badlands is a remarkable geological wonderland located in northwestern New Mexico, known for its otherworldly rock formations that seem to have been sculpted by some ancient and mysterious force. These sculpted rocks, which have been eroded over millions of years, take on a variety of shapes and colors, from towering hoodoos and spires to delicate arches and fins. At night, under the glittering Milky Way, the Bisti Badlands takes on an even more surreal quality, with the starry sky providing a stunning backdrop to the already awe-inspiring rock formations.

Stargazing at Tsegi Overlook

Tsegi Overlook is a perfect spot for stargazing, especially during the night when the Milky Way appears in all its glory. As you gaze up at the Milky Way, it's hard not to feel a sense of awe and wonder at the sheer magnitude and beauty of the universe we live in. It's truly a remarkable experience and a reminder of how small we are in the grand scheme of things.

Western Meadowlark

Although the Western Meadowlark is the state bird of Wyoming, it is certainly abundant here in South Dakota. Its yellow chest feathering shines brightly against the green grasslands and its crisp sweet song carries across the sweeping fields. Photographed in The Badlands National Park, South Dakota. June 2021 www.shootingnomadsphotography.com

Where The Bison Roam

Where the Bison Roam Exploring the Badlands of South Dakota has many unexpected surprises. At a trailhead stop, all that could be seen were surrounding grasslands and canyons. Upon taking a few steps up a small hill, this Bison was immediately in full presentation just a short distance away. Note the lookback in the bison's eye to see the people gathering at the ridge line. A quick photo and then gave room to the Bison to continue its grazing. Amazing beauty but a force that you wouldn't want to happen upon in too close of proximity in the wild. Photographed in the Badlands National Park of South Dakota. June 2021 www.shootingnomadsphotography.com ILCE-7RM4 FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS 430mm, ƒ/7.1, 1/1250s, ISO 320

Common Grackle

These iridescent Common Grackles were located in The Badlands National Park of South Dakota. They can be seen at various locations throughout the park, but a favored spot is at the Ranch Store Prairie Dog field. When sitting in good light, the gorgeous colors show their beauty. The male common grackle has a rich bronze color and thus may also be referred to as a Bronzed Grackle. www.shootingnomadsphotography.com

Quite A Big Horn

An amazing Big Horn presenting in the early morning hours as it quietly grazed along the grasslands. An impressive scene which quickly unfolded as we rounded a curve along the winding canyon roads at Badlands National Park. Elegant force and might quietly owning the lands. Badlands National Park, South Dakota USA

Crown Of The Big Horn

The pure strength and mighty force of a Big Horn Ram can be easily imagined simply by viewing its magnificent presentation. Photographed in Badlands National Park, South Dakota. July 2021. www.shootingnomadsphotography.com

Upland Sandpiper

Upland Sandpiper hanging out in the farm fields outside of Badlands National Park. Plenty of insects here for the taking. Photographed in South Dakota. June 2021. www.shootingnomadsphotography.com

Okay! Please Don't Use The Mom Voice

Nothing cuter than watching prairie dog families! They play, wrestle, tickle and clearly work great together in family units out in the wild. When danger is sensed or the mom wants the little ones to come home, she starts to give a yelp. This little one reached up to silence the mom as if to say, "please mom, you dont have to use the mom voice! I am right here" Photographed in the Badlands National Park area of South Dakota. June 2021. www.shootingnomadsphotography.com

Big Horn Family

Love to see the Big Horn Sheep traversing across the grasslands and mountain ridges in Badlands National Park. The young ones stay close to the mom as they learn to explore and climb along the rocky canyon ridges. Photographed in Badlands National Park, South Dakota. July 2021. www.shootingnomadsphotography.com

Northern Leopard Frog

Northern Leopard frog from Badlands National Park. It had been quite hot in the park over the past few days with temperatures in the high 90's to 100F. Then finally the evening rains came. This emerald green beauty was at the edge of a big sloshy mud puddle at one of the pull offs in the park. July 2021. www.shootingnomadsphotography.com

Black Billed Magpie

Its Tickle Time (896)

Adorable Black Tailed Prairie Dogs love lots of fun time. They chase, wrestle, snuggle and love a little tickle. These two fun loving prairie dogs were in the mood for a little tickle tumble in the field. Not sure who was the winner, but they were definitely having great fun to see who was the best tickler in Prairie Dog Town. Photographed in Badlands National Park, SD. July 2021. www.shootingnomadsphotography.com

Least Chipmunk (900)

Least Chipmunk This adorable little chipmunk scurries around at Mount Rushmore in the early hours in an effort to have a find a tasty meal before all of the tourist arrive. The chipmunks gather and enjoy the calm early morning moments together over the morning cup of coffee. Within two hours Mount Rushmore was packed with people and the little chipmunks had disappeared into the rocks and were nowhere to be found. The calm, quiet moments now dissolved as the excited rush of tourists fills the walkways. Photographed at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. August 2021. www.shootingnomadsphotography.com Sony A7R4 FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS 594mm, ƒ/6.3, 1/1000s, ISO 400

A Jennie And Her Foal

A Jennie and Her Foal (897) This mother burro is part of a pack of feral burros that reside in Custer State Park. Visitors galore come to see them and feed a few carrots or apples. This Jennie keeps a close and loving watch over her little foal. While the visitors greet the other burros, mamma usually moves her foal off to a quieter side away from the commotion. If a visitor is too close, she will give the foal a slight nudge and begin to move further out into the grasslands. The remainder of the pack usually begins to follow. If you watch closely, you readily see her loving devotion and tender caress. The little foal stays close to its mother and doesn't venture far.....at least for now. Photographed in Custer State Park, South Dakota. July 2021 www.shootingnomadsphotography.com Sony A7R4 FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS 324mm, ƒ/6.3,1/800s, ISO 125

American Bison (898) (Black and White)

The mighty bison. A majestic animal. To watch the bison herd move across the plains is a awe inspiring opportunity. As the herd moves the calves follow their moms, the young males charge and push to establish their position and the big bulls dominate. As you come close, you can hear the guttural sounds of the bulls commanding the herd. The mighty strength and force lies quiet here, but will soon be on the move with the herd to move across the grasslands. Photographed in Custer State Park, South Dakota. July 2021 www.shootingnomadsphotography.com Sony A7R4 FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS 200mm, ƒ/6.3, 1/1250s, ISO 5000

Lady Fredericas Little Angel

Lady Frederica And Her Little Angel This Begging Burros pack is growing and the little foals are a delight to watch. Here, Little Angel is showering loads of love on her sweet momma. Lady Frederica's heart clearly melts with the kisses from her sweet baby. The pack is currently at a count of 17. Little Angel's daddy is Frederick who is the Jack for the pack. They are truly a loving family and loads of fun to watch as visitors come to shower them with treats for the day. Carrots, apples and bananas are the favorites. Of course little Angel is still taking her mommas milk but readily enjoys a healthy treat. No junk food please! She is a delight for all and loves the children to give a hug and pat along with a little scratch on the back. Photographed in Custer State Park, South Dakota. August 2021 www.shootingnomadsphotography.com Sony A7R4 FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS 359mm, ƒ/6.3, 1/1600s, ISO 320

Lady Twilight and Baby Adorable

Starlight (899)

Starlight This lovely lady is one of the "Begging Burros" of Custer State Park. It is my hopes to document each member of the small pack that resides there this year. They are a small group of feral donkeys that have become quite accustomed over the years to requesting tempting snacks from visitors in the park. In fact, they love to excitedly greet young and old in the hopes of soliciting a few carrots, crackers or apples. The number of the herd varies from year to year. "Every November the park has an auction and at times a few donkeys may be auctioned off to help control the population. They may be purchased by ranchers, farmers or even sentimental tourist." This pretty lady I am calling Starlight. Please feel free to comment if you have met this lady or have attributed her with another name. Also, I hope to follow this group and welcome any stories about its members. Photographed August 2021. Custer State Park, South Dakota. www.shootingnomadsphotography.com Sony-A7R4 FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS 200mm, ƒ/6.3, 1/1600s, ISO 320