July 13
We had an interesting day today. We set out to find a
buffalo herd closest to Sisseton. We found them, but they were in the distance.
Not as close as we have been seeing them in other areas. We then headed to
Sica Hollow State Park for some birding. On the way we saw a couple of hawks and slowed to
get a better look. (road had no one on it) We could see a car coming up behind
us and hoped they would pass us since we were going slow, but they didn’t so we
drove to the next road to turn around. The car then pulled up to us. It was the
police. I’m sure our erratic driving had him wondering. He comes up to the
window and said “I about took you out as I came over the hill". We apologized
and explained we did see him and were watching him and we were just following a
hawk. He said “so everything is OK with you?” We said "yes" and he said "OK" and
walked back to his car. Phew! I had visions of spending a night in jail in SD again.
LOL (or at least a ticket)
Upland Sandpiper
Upland Sandpiper
Bison
Bison
Bison
Grasshopper Sparrow
Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Veterans Cemetery
Western Meadowlark - female or immature
Red-tailed Hawk (he's the guy that got us stopped by the police)
We found the park which of course was amidst corn & soybean fields and lots of prairie. We drove around a while and then walked the trail. It was an
interesting area since most of the area is prairie and this park was like an
oasis with streams running through it. Indians thought it was the birthplace of
man….
The Hollow's first Indian visitors named it
"Sica," (pronounced she-cha) meaning evil or bad. Eerie Sioux legends
recall mysterious happenings here. Along the Trail of the Spirits, you'll see
gurgling reddish bogs, which Indians saw as the blood and flesh of their
ancestors. Indian lore gives new meaning to Sica's streams, rustic bridges,
waterfalls, and wildflowers.
The Old River Warren and Coteau des Prairies are designated
National Natural Landmarks. The Trail of the Spirits, a self-guided
interpretive foot trail, was designated as a National Recreation Trail in 1971.
one of the streams throughout the park
part of the trail
part of the trail
part of the trail
female turkey
Wood-Pewee
Least Flycatcher
we crossed the creek on the Trail of Spirits
We then went back to town for lunch and stopped at a diner
named Billy’s Café. We had grilled cheese and BLT sandwiches and tater tots of
course.
downtown Sisseton
grilled cheese & tots
BLT
Then we went to the Nicollet Tower & Interpretive Center
where from the top you can see 3 states. It was beautiful views of the prairie,
golf course and the countryside. The small interpretive center had art
displayed by 3 local artists.
golf course
Red-eyed Vireo
We found the only grocery store in town and picked up a few items
before heading home. We did see a few new birds today, so that was nice.
Tomorrow, we are headed in another direction looking for
birds.
No comments:
Post a Comment