23. Tacoma Park/Putney Slough GPA – Brown County


Habitat 2,700-acre wetland, open water in wet years, grassland, trees along west side of five-mile long slough, and at Tacoma Park, next to James River.


Look for these birds Shorebirds migrating in spring.


Flocks of thousands may be found in wet fields beside roads throughout this area, including flocks of Buff-breasted Sandpipers, American Golden-Plover, Black-bellied Plover, American Avocet. Rarities: Piping Plover, Black-necked Stilt


Best birding months April through June Tips


Four miles east and four miles north of the northern


edge of Putney Slough is Putney #3, an area equally interesting, with congregations of Bald Eagles in early spring, good parking off S.D. Hwy 37. South of Tacoma Park, along east side of James River is public, county-owned property. Access from the eastern side of the James River and drive south, cross the James River, and go south to turnaround at low-head dam.


Contact S.D. Game, Fish & Parks, Wildlife Division, Watertown Regional Office, (605) 882-5200 Aberdeen District Office, (605) 626-2391


24. Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge– Brown County


Habitat 21,500-acre refuge attracting more than 260 spe- cies to its combination of lake, wetland, grassland, deciduous woodland habitats.


Look for these birds Franklin’s Gull colony, White


Pelican, Western and Clark’s Grebes, Snowy Egret, White- faced Ibis, White Pelican, Least Bittern, Black Tern, White- rumped Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, Willet, Wilson’s Phalarope, warblers, wrens and sparrows, Virginia Rail, Le Conte’s Sparrow, one million Snow Geese in migration, Ross’ Geese mixed with Snows. Rarities: Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Red Knot, Common Loon


Best birding months April through October Visitor Center open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Refuge open daylight hours only. Refuge roads open April– October. (T, CS)


Tips Self-guided auto tour winds through refuge. Check at Visitor Center for recent sightings.


Contact Outdoor Recreation Planner, Sand Lake Wildlife Refuge, 39650 Sand Lake Drive, Columbia, SD 57433 (605) 885-6320 Sandlake@fws.gov


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