Roadside sharptails

South Dakota's rural roadsides are great place to photograph wildlife. Keeping an eye on the ditches can provide photo opportunities with anything from migrating birds to big game.

Please be very careful about stopping along any road and watch for traffic, but even while keeping safe you can practice your animal photo skills. These sharp-tailed grouse were captured along Highway 14 near Midland with a 400mm lens balanced on a beanbag across the car window frame.