Dakota Prairie Grasslands, Audubon Society Annual Shadehill Bird Count

The Dakota Prairie Grasslands has scheduled the Annual Audubon Society Annual Shadehill Christmas Bird Count for Tuesday, December 17, 2024, weather permitting.

In the event of inclement weather, the backup date for the count is Thursday, January 2, 2025.

Shadehill Christmas Bird Count Instructions [docx]

Shadehill Christmas Bird Count Maps [pdf]

News Release: Dakota Prairie Grasslands, Audubon Society Annual Shadehill Bird Count Prepares to Take Flight

Release Date: 

A photo of a gloved hand holding a small bat. The bat is positioned between the person’s thumb and first finger. The bats mouth is partially opened. Blurred objects in the background include a water bottle and a ziploc bag.

A bald Eagle sttting in a tree overlooking a body of water. Dakota Prairie Grasslands. USDA Forest Service photo by Greg Schonert. View full-sized photo on Flickr

BISMARCK, ND, — The Dakota Prairie Grasslands has scheduled the Annual Audubon Society Annual Shadehill Christmas Bird Count for Tuesday, December 17, 2024, weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, the backup date for the count is Thursday, January 2, 2025.

According to Greg Schonert, USDA Forest Service – Dakota Prairie Grasslands Biologist/Program Manager, "For 125 years, novice and seasoned birders have participated in the Audubon Society bird count. We rely on volunteers and enthusiasts as vital partners in gathering key data on the numbers, seasonal habitat, and habits of birds in the area.”

Participants will convene at the Llewellyn Johns picnic shelter near the Summerville Store at Shadehill, 11 miles south of Lemmon, South Dakota, on Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. Mountain Time.

“Participation only takes a few select tools: weather-appropriate clothing, a pencil or pen, and a pair of binoculars or a spotting scope. And don't forget the hot coffee," said Schonert.

Schonert also recommends birders bring a bird identification book such as The Audubon Bird Guide or using a smart phone bird identification app to readily identify species by sight or sound. Birding apps are free for iOS and Android from online sources such as Google Play or Apple Store.

Schonert says interested parties can download the data collection bird list and maps from the DPG website Spotlight section or pick up the materials at the meeting spot Tuesday morning.  

A photo of a gloved hand holding a small bat. The bat is positioned between the person’s thumb and first finger. The bats mouth is partially opened. Blurred objects in the background include a water bottle and a ziploc bag.

Pictured is a "museum" of Cedar Waxwings. "Museum" is a unique term used specifically for a flock of these highly social, fruit-feeding birds. USDA Forest Service photo by Greg Schonert. View full-sized photo on Flickr

Schonert points out that the bird count area maps can be uploaded to the Avenza Maps smartphone application, which "is a great way to keep track of where you are within the [geographic survey] circle and where you have surveyed. "

Birders with all levels of experience are welcome. Interested parties RSVP to Greg Schonert at (701) 989-7309 or gregory.schonert@usda.gov. 

For more information, contact the Grand River National Grassland at 605-374-3592, the Dakota Prairie Grasslands Supervisor’s Office at 701-989-7300, or email gregory.schonert@usda.gov.