On the Dancing Ground

photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

Each spring from the end of April to the middle of May (give or take) Sharp-tailed Grouse gather at a lek or dancing ground.
It’s here the males compete with other males by put on a courtship display for the females.

With wings spread, tailed raise and the purple neck sacks enlarged they put on their best display.

On the Bald Prairie

photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

Near the end of April this year found me making a trip west to Sask. Spending a couple of days and a number of hours watching and photographing these most interesting birds ( Sharp-tailed Grouse )
Plan will be to return again next spring for more of the same and perhaps try a couple of different approaches that I have in mind…will have to wait and see if my ideas unfold.

Dancing With Grouse

photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

Early morning visit to the lek (dancing area) … it’s my understanding they return each year to the same location.

Pair of Sharp-tailed Grouse square off. After their display they both sit down on the ground, face to face and appear to have a staring contest. Often one of the birds will lunge at the other, then break apart and find another bird to continue the display with.

This continues on and on for some time.

This event was a delight to witness.