Where the Missouri River meets the tallgrass prairie, Southeastern South Dakota blends floodplain forest, rolling farmland, and remnant prairie into a landscape rich with birdlife. The river forms the region’s spine, drawing immense migrations of waterfowl, gulls, and shorebirds each spring and fall. Wetlands and sloughs provide habitat for herons, terns, and marsh birds, while upland grasslands shelter grouse and sparrows through summer. Urban greenways in Sioux Falls and Brookings keep birding active even in winter, offering accessible routes for migrants and local residents alike. This balance of thriving prairie, broad river, and urban refuge defines Southeastern South Dakota’s enduring birding appeal.