Wind Cave National Park protects two very different worlds, one deep within the earth, the other a sunlit world of many resources. Bison, elk, and other wildlife roam the rolling prairie grasslands and forested hillsides of one of America's oldest national parks. Below the remnant island of intact prairie sits Wind Cave, one of the longest and most complex caves in the world.

Due to the blend of prairie and forest ecosystems, Wind Cave is home to many different species of birds. Over 100 species make the park their permanent home, with many more passing through the area during spring and fall migration. This makes the park a bird watching hotspot.

The Black Hills are centrally located in the United States, so this means that birds typically seen on either the east or west sides of the country can also be found here. If you are from the west coast, the eastern bluebird or red-headed woodpecker might be an unusual sight. However, if you are visiting from the east coast, the black-billed magpie or golden eagle might stand out.