Yes, I’m still here. I drove into Buffalo today for some ice, groceries, water, and gas. My total expenses since June 17 have been about $250.00, so I’m living cheap for now. I will have to go to Pierre sometime next week. Last night the forecast on Spaceweather.com was for a geomagnetic storm and all I got was clouds in the north. I saw today that many people did see Aurora Borealis last night, as far south as Virginia. I’m sure would have too if it hadn’t been for those clouds. Tonight, will be clear, maybe I’ll get lucky.
The number of elk here is pretty amazing, considering that just a few years ago, there were none. I’ve seen more elk than deer this summer. Apparently, Game, Fish and Parks is having a season on them this this fall, I’ve talked to a couple of people who have licenses and are planning a hunt.
One of the many elk I’ve seen or captured on my trail cams. I had five of them go by at this setup, not a very good angle. It is hard to find a good spot to set a camera, if the grass is too tall or if there are too many tree branches in the view, every time the wind blows the camera takes a 10 second video. Sometimes I will have several hundred videos to sort through. I have to pick a spot with short grass and no nearby tree branches, and also where no one is likely to see the camera and take it. Since I’ve been here in the Slim Buttes, I have captured coyotes, a porcupine, deer, the five elk, and a few Wild Turkeys. Once a House Wren landed in front of the camera and was checking it out. I’ve seen some mountain lion sign and am hoping to catch one of them on camera. A Red-eyed Vireo, the bright spot behind its head looks like a halo. There was a family group, two adults and three young. I think I was the first human being the young ones had ever seen. I set up the black light again, a few nights back. This is Argyrostrotis anilis, Short-lined Chocolate. First South Dakota record for BugGuide and Moth Photographer’s Group. Hesperumia sulphuraria, the Sulphur Moth. Mostly a western species with scattered records across eastern North America. Another first for South Dakota. Mulsantina picta, the Painted Lady Beetle. First one I have ever seen and a first for BugGuide in South Dakota. I see a few records in iNaturalist, all in western South Dakota.
One reply on “Slim Buttes Update”
You’re living the life! It’s pretty neat to have all of those elk around. I like the vireo with its halo.
One reply on “Slim Buttes Update”
You’re living the life! It’s pretty neat to have all of those elk around. I like the vireo with its halo.