In April I had several chances to get out and see sage-grouse on the lek (breeding ground). They are such a unique bird. Their wet-popping/booming sound of the males can be heard from a long ways off. These males are almost comical to watch fight back and forth. They look almost like they are placed on little remote controlled cars that zip back and forth; their legs are such a blur. It was fun to see how things got really animated when a hen would stroll through the puffed up males showing off. As she would pass by a male, she would hunker way over and become interested in the ground and pretend to ignore the males trying so hard to impress her.
If you get the chance, even though it is early in the morning, go out and watch them lekking. What a cool species! I am concerned for their long-term conservation status. I want to show my kids and grandkids lekking sage-grouse.
