Birds. At Home on the Range – Annual Bird Tour

When: June 3-4, 2026

Where: Bien Ranch, Veblen, SD

Cost: Free to current SDGC members and students; $35 per person for non-members. Meals are included.

Register: https://sdgrass.org/bird-watching-tour/

Contact: Judge, 605-280-0127
judge.jessop@sdconservation.net

Download Brochure Here

Join the South Dakota Grassland Coalition for a unique bird watching tour in the native grasslands of northeastern South Dakota, hosted this year at the Bien Ranch near Veblen, SD. This two-day prairie birding experience offers participants the opportunity to explore working ranchland while observing the diverse bird species that depend on healthy grassland ecosystems.

Guided by experienced birders and land managers, attendees will travel across the ranch to observe and identify grassland birds, raptors, and migratory species commonly found in the Northern Great Plains. Participants will learn how grazing management, native prairie, wetlands, and shelterbelts create important habitat for birds and wildlife across South Dakota’s working landscapes.

Throughout the tour, guests will have opportunities to watch, photograph, and record bird species in their natural environment, while gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between ranching, grassland conservation, and wildlife habitat. The event also provides a chance to connect with fellow bird enthusiasts, ranchers, conservationists, and anyone interested in the future of South Dakota’s grasslands.

Whether you are an experienced birder, a photographer, a rancher, or simply someone who enjoys spending time outdoors, the South Dakota Bird Watching Tour offers a memorable opportunity to experience the beauty and ecological importance of prairie bird habitat.