Newton Hills is one of the largest tracks of eastern deciduous forest in South Dakota. Many trails wind through wooded ravines and bluffs that border the Big Sioux River. Sitting on the northwest corner of the range of many woodland species, Newton Hills can offer pleasant surprises. Most woodland birds that can be found in eastern South Dakota can be seen sometime during the year at Newton Hills The best birding seems to center around the Horse Camp and Sargeant Creek. During late spring and early summer, follow the trail beside Sargeant Creek from the Horse Camp parking area. Blue-gray Gnatcathers, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, both Eastern and Spotted Towhees and Great Crested Flycathers can be found along the creek with a Blue-winged Warbler often singing in the open prairie. As you reach the picnic pavilion look for Scarlet Tanagers. At first light, Whip-poor-wills and American Woodcocks can be seen and heard in all direction of the trail. Take the trail mentioned above but follow the first fork to the right to a wooded ravine. You can sometimes find a Kentucky Warbler as well as American Redstarts. Where Sargeant Creek enters The Big Sioux River the surrounding riparian forest has Cerulean Warblers and Yellow-throated Vireos. Newton Hills with its wooded ravines and riparian forest offers some of the best birding in South Dakota.