Sharp-tailed Grouse
A sampling of shots of the energizer-bunny of the prairie grouse world. Named after the narrow look of their two central tail feathers, they are also known as firebirds due to the fire-adapted grassland and brushland habitats they prefer. These photogenic birds are quite popular with wildlife watchers because they often ignore blinds which can be situated quite close to display territories, and their energetic, almost humorous breeding behavior is fascinating to watch. These birds can be quite faithful to their display grounds, and their display is a mixture of dancelike foot stomping and tail rattling, with cooing, chuckling and popping vocalizations, as well as a few "flutter jumps" mixed in. But if you want to experience this wonderful product of biological evolution, you need to plan ahead, not unlike hunting trips, get out in the blind at least one hour before sunrise, and plan to stick it out up to 5 hours before they leave for cover during mid- to late- morning. Peak breeding and display activity occurs from late-March through late-April on display grounds known as leks, after the Scandinavian word for playground, and their dancing and displaying is known as lekking. While this species used to be more widespread, aggressive management of the grassland and brushland habitats by wildlife agencies and non-profit groups are helping to ensure a future for this species.
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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Taking a Break II
Male sharp-tailed on a lek shortly after sunrise. Gun Lake WMA, Aitkin County, Minnesota. These charasmatic, energizer-bunny like representatives of prairie grouse get so worked up when dancing they need to take frequent breaks to rest. They have a knack of doing it simultaeously with the other males on a lek. Reminds me of Red Light, Green Light when I was a kid.
Aitkin CountyBirdsGun Lake WMAMinnesotaPalisadeSharptailed grouseWildlife
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