Day 6 - Night on the Prairie

 

 

Tonight the wind is howling and I'm laying out my warmest clothes for tomorrow. Glancing outside my second story window this eerie scene reminds me that I am in prairie country. Exactly what I came for. 

Christine and I arrived in Nebraska and are anticipating the morning's event. It will be our first experience in a blind and we are reassured that sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus),  a medium-sized prairie bird, will be our main subject. Number one on my shot list. 

We are here to witness the mating dance of this chickenlike male with its pointed tail feathers and inflated purple neck patches. Males gather on courtship grounds called leks, where they perform rapid-stepping displays, call, and often fight for breeding rights. Here is a short video to see their dance. Enjoy! We hope you check back for Day 7 when we share our findings.  

Thanks for following Chicks On A Grouse Trip! 


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