Louise's Utopia: Plant South Dakota Native Grass And Have Pheasants Galore And So Many More!

Here at Coteau Valley Farm we have so many new pheasants. This momma built her nest in the tall grass we recently planted. When we moved here, there were no pheasants at all on the property. This year we planted grass that is native to South Dakota. It was just a small amount, but after it started to grow, many pheasants and turkeys moved in. It was like we became the hottest game bird hotel in the state. Well something like that. Either way, now we have so many game birds living their game bird dream life, in our pasture. It is interesting how the birds are attracted to the natural habitat. The grass is so thick that the birds literally disappear into the dense blades of grass. This makes it very hard to get a good look at the birds as they run away and hide. But they are there! Deep inside the grass.

The momma above stayed for a while. I saw her cross my driveway with her family. In this picture she was just eating dinner. Her babies were in their nest. I am so happy we planted the native grass. It is thick and lush and green. We plan to plant a few more acres next year by hand again. The old fashioned way. It is fun to spread the seeds and watch it take over the ground. Our hope is to slowly root out the invasious species of weeds, and replace them with natural grass and flowers. We want to create a beautiful natural habitat for the wildlife. The amount of animals that hide in the grass is amazing. It is very cool to see a giant turkey seemingly disappear in the tall grass. One minute there and the next covered completely by grass. It is as if the turkey was never there. I have plans to buy a turkey call soon. I went to the local farm/sporting goods store, but the shelves were literally empty. Apparently it is, or is close to, hunting season, so everyone else bought one. Oh, well I guess I can order one online with good ratings. There does not seem to be as many pheasant calls out there. Does anyone know of a good one? I would like to see tons of birds on this land. I want to call them and see if it actually works. One person told me I should throw some corn down, but I am afraid that would attract to many other "undesirable" critters. Just a few weeks ago I was looking out the kitchen window, when I saw a herd, if that is the right word, of racoons. We do not typically see racoons so close to the house, so it was a bit disturbing. Racoons no thanks, birds yes please. If I can somehow convince the birds to take up residence here. The more the merrier. I have also been seeing a surprising number of Canada Goose (I was just recently reminding by a bird lover that it is Canada Goose and not Canadian Goose). But to me, the pheasant is especially pretty to see and watch. I really hope I can find a pheasant call that will work. I will let you know. Until then. Watch for them birds!