What a Difference a Day Makes

 

Unlike the last three mornings, weather conditions at the lek were pleasant and tolerable. The iPhone image above captures the setting full moon, one of our blinds and the frosty lek (what is a lek?) where only 10 minutes later 30+ sharp-tailed grouse males began dancing for females. 

Their display was also very different. This morning the birds started and stopped their drumming and dancing in unison over and over again. It was like a symphony played out before our eyes. Or as Christine puts it, the grouse are acting as if a square dance caller is directing their performance on the floor. Circle left and Do Si Do, Ladies In, Men Sashay! Watch this one minute video below to get a glimpse of the action. 

A pronghorn came to watch the show this morning and a coyote lit by the moon traveled quite a distance on a far hill. Possibly curious, possibly kept away because of our presence. We try our best to remain quiet and unobtrusive in our blind not to disturb or change the actions of wildlife around us. 

One of the natural behaviors Christine and I have been wanting to photograph is when the females finally decide on the male who best struts their stuff. So far we have not been successful documenting the act of copulation this trip. The females have not been impressed! Here are a couple images of disinterested females even with gallant efforts by male grouse. Enjoy! 

 
 
The beautiful purple air sac and bright yellow combs aren't enough for this female.

 
 
These two females seem to be running away from this dancing male.

 
 
No dice buddy! Not today anyway.



Comments

  1. MarshallApril 17, 2022 at 5:29 PM

    Nice!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandy ZelaskoApril 21, 2022 at 8:08 PM

      Thank you so much Marshall! This had to be my favorite day of all the leks we visited. I began this tour with an affinity for sharp-tailed grouse and may be partial to the species.

      Delete

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