Sage Grouse

It shouldn’t be surprising that sage-grouse are so fun to look at. Each spring, male sage-grouse strut their stuff with elaborate dance to attract mates at their leks (traditional display grounds). The spiked tail, fluffy feathers, combs, and air sacs that impress the hens also delight human observers. I’ve spent many cold mornings hunkered in a photo blind on the edge of a grouse lek, and I can say with certainty you never know what is going to happen. Will the birds get spooked by a passing eagle and leave before it’s light? Will they hunker exhausted from a night spent courting? Or will you come away with an especially memorable morning watching one of the greatest spectacles of nature on earth? Such was the case this morning, when a recent early spring snow provided a gorgeous backdrop. Things only improved when the birds remained active well after sunrise. The sunlight bounced beautifully off the snow almost like a reflector.