Male Sage-Grouse strutting their stuff over the next few weeks, be respectful Greater sage-grouse Birds Buckrail - Jackson Hole, news
Male Sage Grouse looking for a mate: Photo courtesy - allaboutbirds.org

Each spring the male Sage-Grouse puts on an ancient display, designed to make him stand out and impress a potential mate.

Male Sage-Grouse looking for a mate: Photo courtesy – allaboutbirds.org

The sunrise dance includes the male Grouse filling large bulbous yellow sacks with air and upward thrusting of the head, all coordinated with a rhythmic tail feather shake. This dramatic display makes Sage-Grouse viewing a popular activity this time of year.

Sage-Grouse breeding habitat, known as a lek, is sensitive to human interactions. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology reports “The Greater Sage-Grouse’s range has shrunk by about half, and its population has declined by as much as 95%, from pre-settlement estimates as high as 16 million to between 200,000 and 500,000 birds today.”

Figure by Matt Kania, Map Hero

If you are planning on trying to catch a glimpse of this dance please keep these tips in mind.

LEK VIEWING ETHICS

  • Arrive at lek sites at least one hour before sunrise
  • Don’t drive onto the lek. Park away from the edge of the lek.
  • Turn off the vehicle lights and engine.
  • Use binoculars and spotting scopes to observe birds.
  • Stay in your vehicle.
  • Do not make loud noises or sudden movements.
  • Do not leave until the birds do.
  • Keep pets in your vehicle. Better yet, leave them home.
  • Do not trespass on private land.
  • Postpone your visit if roads are muddy.
  • Be especially cautious with viewing activities during late March and early April when breeding activity usually peaks. Late April is a better time to visit because most of the breeding is complete but the males are still actively strutting. The weather is usually better too.

WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO

  • Respect the birds providing your recreation.
  • Always practice ethical and responsible bird watching.
  • Keep pets under control and away from all wildlife. Dog training on sage-grouse outside the hunting season is not legal.
  • Don’t camp on desert springs or wet meadows in late summer.
  • Restrict your ORV use in sage-grouse habitats. Stay on established roads and trails. Off-road use in the spring can disturb or destroy nests.
  • Visit WGF’s sage-grouse web page to learn more about sage-grouse conservation: wgfd.wyo.gov/Habitat/Sage-Grouse-Management
  • Report harassment of sage-grouse, or any wildlife, to the STOP Poaching Hotline:
    1-877-WGFD-TIP (1-877-943-3847) or
    Text keyword WGFD and message 847-477.

More information can be found on the WGFD website here and Last Grouse Standing: Can Birds and Industry Coexist in the Western Sage Lands