Bird watching is a classic pastime in Spearfish Canyon. A quote that appeared in National Geographic Magazine stated, "One of the most popular birding routes in the region is the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway which runs south from Spearfish 20 miles to Cheyenne Crossing. This superb drive is very popular with non-birders too." Spearfish Canyon Lodge is abounding with a beautiful and sometimes rare assortment of birds. It is likely that you will see Bald Eagles daily on the cliffs above the Latchstring, and while looking at Roughlock Falls you may run across the rare American Dipper.
American Dippers are permanent residents of South Dakota and can only be found in the pristine conditions of the Black Hills of South Dakota. They feed on insects and small fish found in the bottom of the cold fast streams of Spearfish Creek. This interesting species and their fascinating foraging behaviors can be observed “dipping” and diving for food in the streams below Roughlock Falls in beautiful Spearfish Canyon.
Ruffed GrouseWhite-throated SwiftLewis's WoodpeckerRed-naped SapsuckerWestern Wood-PeweeDusky and Cordilleran FlycatchersPinyon JayViolet-green SwallowCanyon WrenMountain BluebirdVeeryMacGillivray's WarblerWestern TanagerBlack-headed GrosbeakLazuli BuntingCassins Finch
