 |
Ann's birding notes
June 22, 2009.
Tho 6th Annual Potholes and Prairie Birding Festival is now behind us. All birders were able to see their target birds, including the Baird's sparrow, Srague's Pipit,and Chestnut-collard Longspur. The numbers of nesting shorebirds and ducks are way up this year becuase there is so much water around.
On Bill Thompson's Big Day tour, they were able to see 105 species easily with a late start and early finish.
Now we are enjoying many broods of tiny ducklings on nearly every pothole. Last evening we were lucky enough to see a painted turtle laying eggs in the sand by the Pipestem River. Wow!
Good Birding,
Ann
|
 |
|
|
|
Ann and Ernie Hoffert are enjoying a canoe trip on the James River in the Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Tom Bean
|
|
In the photo to the left by Tom Bean, Ann Hoffert is birdwatching in the Arrowwood NWR http://www.fws.gov/arrowwood/index.html
We are located on one of the Birding Drives developed by Birding Drives Dakota and 5 miles from Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge
Ann Hoffert is the current president of Birding Drives Dakota. For more information on Birding Drives Dakota, go to: www.birdingdrives.com
|
 |
|
|
|
Bobolink in summer greenery.
|
|
Lodging
Bobolink Bed and Birding Package
Bobolink has 2 bedrooms with one double bed each and there are 2 single beds in another area. With the rental of Bobolink comes the use of a rustic cozy cabin with a feather bed and down comforter. Sleeping in the cabin with 8 screened windows brings in the cool summer breeze at night and the wonderful dawn chorus in the morning. The cabin is primitive.
Aso available now is another cabin which was the previous Gift Shop of Pipestem Creek. It is an adorable 10-sided Granary. This cabin is primitive as well, though it does have electricity.
A Birding Drives Map of the local area is included as well as birding on 700 acres of privately owned premises and nearby refuges. The numerous large flowering gardens on the premises provide habitat for birds and lovely places for an evening or morning stroll---
|
The living room in the Bobolink.
|
One of the bedrooms in the Bobolink.
|
 |
|
|
|
This rustic cabin is available with a reservation for Bobolink. The dawn chorus that can be heard through the screened windows in the morning is awesome. Photo by Rae Jerrel
|
|
Rates--
Reservations: 1-800-446-1986 or e-mail at pipestem@daktel.com
$35 per person and a two night minimum stay.
Children under 6 - FREE
Children 6-18 - $10/ea per night
Rates by the week:
2 people for one week (7 nights) - $400
3 people for one week - $450
4 people for one week - $500
5 people for one week - $550
6 people for one week - $600
7 people for one week - $650
8 people for one week - $700
Deposit: $100 (nonrefundable within 3 weeks of reservation)
We are located on one of the Birding Drives developed by Birding Drives Dakota and 5 miles from Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge.
|
 |
|
|
|
This cabin is available for lodgers when they reserve the Bobolink. It is tucked away in the trees with a wonderful view of the commercial and perennial gardens. Photo by Ann Hoffert
|
|
The Cabin in the Woods
Tucked away in the trees, the cabin can be viewed. This cabin is included with the reservation of Boblink.
|
 |
|
|
|
Backyard set up for Birders. Photo by Ann Hoffert
|
|
Set up for birders to enjoy food, the outdoors, and the birds singing.
|
 |
|
|
|
A cow moose and her calf. Photo by Ann Hoffert
|
|
This cow moose and her calf are enjoying the sunflowers left standing for them. A large variety of wildlife comes through to enjoy the food during the winter months.
|
Potholes & Prairie Birding Festival
One of the social events of the Festival was held at Pipestem Creek. Below are a few photos of the event.
|
 |
|
|
|
Birders checking out the birds. Photo by Rae Jerrel
|
|
Birders looking at the various birds on the grounds of Pipestem Creek.
|
 |
|
|
|
| Photo by Lynne E. Arrowsmith |
|
After dining, the Jam Session began.
|
 |
|
|
|
| Photo by Lynne E. Arrowsmith |
|
One of the buses used for the Festival to take people on tours.
|
 |
|
|
|
| Photo by Lynne E. Arrowsmith |
|
Chase Lake NWR - Birders along the shoreline.
|
 |
|
|
|
| Photo by Lynne E. Anderson |
|
Event: Wilderness Walk at Chase Lake NWR.
|
 |
|
|
|
| Photo by Lynne E. Arrowsmith |
|
Bison on the Coteau. Seen on the Birds and Bison Tour.
|
|
|
|
|
