With its mix of wetlands, grasslands, and dramatic badlands, South Dakota has an impressive diversity of birds. During migration, thousands of ducks, geese, and cranes pass through the many lakes, ponds, and marshes, often congregations in groups numbering too many to count. Iconic species like Western Meadowlark, Sharp-tailed Grouse, and state bird Ring-necked Pheasant are stand-outs in tallgrass prairies; the scenic Black Hills are home to American Dippers, Red-naped Sapsuckers, and Mountain Bluebirds. Over 440 bird species have been observed in the Mount Rushmore State, the majority of which are either permanent residents, regular breeders, or annual migrants. Sifting through so many species is a challenge, so it helps to start by getting acquainted with a smaller number of representative species to establish a solid foundation of knowledge on which to build. You can readily do this with the portable reference South Dakota Birds, which features beautiful illustrations of 140 common and familiar birds as well as an ecoregion map showing over 20 bird-finding hotspots and learning sites. Laminated for durability, this lightweight, 12-panel folding pocket guide is a terrific resource for educators, learners, naturalists, and birders to use for sharpening their bird identification skills and peering more closely into birds’ fascinating lives. Made in the USA.