Chicken of the (Prairie) Sea
Sampling of shots of one of the rarest grouse, indeed of all birds, in North America, the Greater prairie chicken, or boomer as they're also known due to the vocalizations males make during the peak of their display. Charasmatic, photogenic icons of native prairie habitats. If you want to experience these interesting products of evolution, you need to plan ahead, not unlike a hunting trip, plan to be in a blind at least an hour prior to dawn, and sit tight for up to 5 hours before the birds leave for cover mid- to late-morning. Males visit and attend a lek, Scandinavian word for playground, which they prefer on somewhat open ground. When females show up, they ramp up their display rates, and exhibit additional behavior and vocalizations, including the "Flutter Jump" and "Whoop" call.
Thanks for visiting this gallery. All images are copyrighted, but are available for purchase as a print or downloads via the Buy button. In addition to fine art prints, buy lots of neat things with these images, such as a puzzle, key chain, deck of playing cards, or t-shirt. Or contact me via the contact link for any special requests or inquiries.
Read MoreThanks for visiting this gallery. All images are copyrighted, but are available for purchase as a print or downloads via the Buy button. In addition to fine art prints, buy lots of neat things with these images, such as a puzzle, key chain, deck of playing cards, or t-shirt. Or contact me via the contact link for any special requests or inquiries.
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Important Visitor
Female greater prairie chicken visiting the lek with male suitors vying for her attention. Bluestem Prairie SNA Booming Ground, Glyndon, Clay County, Minnesota. In many respects, the females are just as dramatic as the males of this species, and the contrast of the barring on their contour and breast feathers are typically more pronounced than the males.
BirdsBluestem Prairie SNAClay CountyMinnesotaPrairie chickenWildlife
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