Happy summer from Coteau Valley Farm! It has been a rather cool summer here in Sisseton, SD. I must say that it is an absolutely lovely time of year. The grass is thick in the fields and it flows in a rhythmic motion in the wind. It is tall and green and vibrant with little creatures that hide deep within its folds. Large and small game alike. I have observed that all kinds of wildlife have an uncanny knack to quietly disappear into the thick grass, almost as if they had been just a mirage on the prairie. This summer I have noticed a handful of meadowlarks that have nested in the pasture. I see them singing in the trees and on fence posts, while I am outside. They sing their unmistakable whistle, followed by a kind of drum roll sound. The sound rolls across the prairie like a glorious serenade to God. I am quite sure they are giving thanks for living on the South Dakota prairie. Their bellies appear filled with worms. I love the Meadowlarks. They remind me of warm, breezy, summer days, in the lazy afternoon sun. It is not a South Dakota summer without the Western Meadowlark. I believe Congress ought to make Meadowlarks the State bird. Here is why: We eat pheasants. Seems kind of ridiculous to eat the bird that represents your state, doesn't it? Why not make it a bird we do not eat? I mean, is it really believable to say, "Lets honor this lovely bird!" and then turn and eat it for dinner? Not really! The Meadowlark would be a more believable candidate for the state bird. We do not eat it and it has a quirky song. One thing I will note is the numbers of both these birds seems, in my opinion, decreased. Sad. I think we all know why the numbers of these birds are dwindling.
Anyway here in my world I have been very busy. "We" have planted well over 300 trees and vines combined this year. Also we finished a lot of landscaping in the front yard and around the shop. I've been finally researching ways in expanding my online store. Also a possible physical shop of some sort on the farm. Lots of future plans. You may have noticed the last few blogs I posted were written by Sunshine. However, I am back in business. I may change the future release dates of my much anticipated blog! HA. I won't tell you what I think is funny about that. Just that release dates can be laughable. Well reader-friend, I hope the summer found each one in a positive frame of mind. Every moment God gives us is a blessing and nothing more than the moment is promised, so enjoy the blessing your in. Let me know how you are doing and send love to South Dakota in July!
Ok. So, here's my thoughts on meadowlarks and other wildlife. I think they should be the state bird of SD too, but I guess I can see why ring-necked pheasants are instead. Hunters love them literally to death. And then I guess that brings in more cash to the state to manage other wildlife species. And speaking of wildlife species, the coyote is our state wildlife animal. I'm not sure how I feel about that one. If wolves were still in SD, that would be my vote, but sadly they've been extirpated. I would personally love to see wolves in SD, at least west river. But I know that there isn't a lot of habitat for them with the conversion…
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Sadly, ND, among 5 other states took Western Meadowlark as their state bird first, but don't worry, this non-native, game species is pretty "unique" to get its very own state as state bird 😂