(EXPLORE) Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) - Alpha Male Dances
Going through all my photos I found one more I wanted to add of the Alpha Male. This Grouse seemed to be the most popular male on the lek. I got to see him copulate on there which very few of the other grouse did. I love their yellow eyebrows and purple neck pouches and elaborate feather detail. We need to do all we can to preserve prairie grasslands so we don't lose these threatened birds forever. Being this close to them as they danced on the lek was a magical and emotional experience that I will never forget.
This photo was achieved over 2 days and 6 hours in the blind the first day and 7 hours in the blind the next (from 4 am until 11 am) after a long hike and cold camping nights. However, it was all worth it to be part of the experience.
(EXPLORE) Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) - Alpha Male Dances
Going through all my photos I found one more I wanted to add of the Alpha Male. This Grouse seemed to be the most popular male on the lek. I got to see him copulate on there which very few of the other grouse did. I love their yellow eyebrows and purple neck pouches and elaborate feather detail. We need to do all we can to preserve prairie grasslands so we don't lose these threatened birds forever. Being this close to them as they danced on the lek was a magical and emotional experience that I will never forget.
This photo was achieved over 2 days and 6 hours in the blind the first day and 7 hours in the blind the next (from 4 am until 11 am) after a long hike and cold camping nights. However, it was all worth it to be part of the experience.