When we travel to a new place, or to one we haven’t visited recently, we naturally try to talk to some local people to get advice about local sites of natural history interest. We like birding, wildflowers, hiking and similar activities.

On a recent visit to Wall, South Dakota, we stopped at a local drugstore. I spotted a lady sitting on a bench, and I thought she might know something about promising local sights. Now, not to blow my own horn, but I am generally pretty good at striking up a conversation, even with people I have not met before.

However, I have to admit I failed in the case of this lady. I tried to start a conversation a couple of times. I commented on people passing by, asked her if she was a local resident, and how the weather had been recently. Would you know she didn’t even have the courtesy to acknowledge my requests.

She just looked straight ahead with a wooden stare!