Turkey Buzzards – Noxious Weeds And Uber Birdie Photography

 

Custer, SD
May 30, 2017

All Images:
Herb Ryan/Herb Ryan Photography.

Local Turkey Buzzards enjoy a fresh road kill meal on Lower French Creek road in Custer. Photo: Herb Ryan/Herb Ryan Photography

 

This little uber birdie was on the ground when I approached on my property after the trip on French Creek. I was trying to get a good position to shoot some South Dakota “noxious weeds” when it popped out of the grass and started chewing me out. Was about six feet away shooting with a graduated filter on a 70-200, Canon 7D, MK ll. This bird did not leave so I’m guessing a nest somewhere ? Pretty sure I did not step on it because the flyout was in front of me. Photo: Herb Ryan/ Herb Ryan Photography.

 

We have five acres and these yellow flowers are tough as nails. They are a noxious weed, or so say the people in charge of weeds in South Dakota ? They add color to the property, the deer or turkeys refuse to eat them and we do not allow roundup on the property. Color in your life is good…Photo: Herb Ryan/Herb Ryan Photography

 

On The Occasion OF: Pollinator Week In South Dakota

PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed June 20-26, 2016 as Pollinator Week in South Dakota.

Pollinator species such as birds and insects are essential to the production of many of South Dakota’s leading crops. They also play a vital role in the health of our farms, forests and grasslands. 

“Pollinator species provide significant environmental benefits that are necessary for maintaining healthy biodiverse ecosystems,” said South Dakota Department of Agriculture apiary specialist Bob Reiners. “Pollinators are also essential partners to farmers and ranchers in producing much of our food supply.”

South Dakota is one of the top five honey producing states, with just under 320,000 colonies in an average year.

Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

South Dakota Department of Agriculture apiary specialist Bob Reiners. Photo: SDDA