SD-Frost+Wilderness+Area


 * =Birding in South Dakota=

Clay County
=Frost Wilderness Area= Vermillion, SD 57069 Frost Wilderness Area map

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Frost Wilderness Area
Coordinates: 42.7393969, -96.9544814 eBird links: Hotspot map View details Recent visits My eBird links: Location life list Submit data

Tips for birding Frost Wilderness Area
Frost offers walk-in access from three different parking areas on Hwy 19. The first is just north of Dakota St., the second is 0.7 miles south of Dakota St., and the third is 1.4 miles south of Dakota St., just north of the bridge over the Missouri River. Frost features excellent forest birding in the mature stands of cottonwood along the river and great views of the river, including several large sandbars on the far side of the river. It also borders a backwater slough that was reconstructed in the last few years. Forest birds include all the common species (orioles, yellow warblers, etc), plus some harder to find species such as Scarlet Tanager, Ovenbird, Wood Thrush, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo. The area sits right in the middle of the Spotted/Eastern Towhee hybrid zone, so you can find both species as well as hybrids with varying plumage and song characteristics. Migratory songbirds can be found in the forest patches and adjacent edges, but due to the high canopy and dense understory, it is not a great place for looking for migrants. Myron Grove, several miles upriver, is much better for that. There is a nice trail that follows the bank of the river, allowing excellent views of the river and sandbars. Least Terns are easy to see at the right time of year, and Piping Plovers can often be seen with the help of a scope. There are several gravel roads that can be walked near each of the parking areas. These roads allow access to for the trucks that service the pump stations scattered throughout the area that pull in water for the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System. Overall, the site is a great spot offering easy access to floodplain cottonwood forests, and nice views of the river if you're willing to get out and walk a little bit. From Chris Merkord

About Frost Wilderness Area
DESCRIPTION From WEBSITE



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media type="custom" key="26954420" || L1530753 US US-SD US-SD-027 42.7393969 -96.9544814 Frost Wilderness Area