N.B.: “The Badlands have the most significant mixed-grass prairie, the best known Oligocene fossil resources in the world, and the area is filled with remnants of sea and turtle shells, leading proof this area was once under water.”
For camping and cabin rentals at Cedar Pass.
Learn More …
Vultures, a symbol of the American West
The turkey vulture, also known in some North American regions as the turkey buzzard (or just buzzard), and in some areas of the Caribbean as the John crow or carrion crow, is the most widespread vulture between the New World vultures. One of three species in the genus Cathartes of the family Cathartidae, the turkey vulture ranges from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. It inhabits a variety of open and semi-open areas, including subtropical forests, shrublands, pastures, and deserts.
“First” Robins: Making Sense of Confusing Maps
All robins are not the same: The vast majority of robins do move south in the winter. However, some stick around — and move around — in northern locations.
And I had thought they were a “Pure Michigan” bird!
It was much steeper than it looks!
There are five species of prairie dogs: black-tailed, white-tailed, Gunnison’s, Mexican and Utah. The most common species is the black-tailed prairie dog, the only species of prairie dog found within the vast Great Plains region of North America.
Prairie dogs are considered a “keystone” species because their colonies create islands of habitats that benefit approximately 150 other species.
… then Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Rapid City, South Dakota
and on to Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming
Mount Rushmore National Monument
We didn’t stop as it was raining and they wanted $11 just to park in the parking deck… not much to see with heavy rain.
Kept driving and voila! the skies cleared!
Devil’s Tower comes into sight.
