Upcoming trip: Greater Sage-Grouse Lek

DISCLAIMER: This trip is subject to schedule changes depending on the road conditions. Please check back here frequently for updates.

Female Greater Sage-Grouse. Photo © Shawn Billerman.

This Saturday, March 14 we will head out to a Greater Sage-Grouse lek. Come and watch these iconic birds strut their stuff. Meet at 6 am at the Eppson Senior Center parking lot, at Curtis St. and 3rd St.  We will carpool to the lek (display ground) at 6:10 am sharp.  The early start is totally worth it--there's nothing like being audience to dozens of male Sage-Grouse calling and dancing to attract mates. You will need 4WD or AWD to navigate the dirt two-track, or share a ride with somebody who does. Please call Vicki at 307-760-9518 if you plan to attend so we will be sure not to leave without you.

It will be cold and windy on the prairie so dress very warmly.  Bring spotting scope, binoculars, warm drinks, and snacks.  We should be back to Laramie by 8 am.  At this time, alternate dates are March 21 and March 28, meeting at the same place, same time, unless notified differently.

Male Greater Sage-Grouse on the lek. Photo © Shawn Billerman.

More details on possible schedule changes:
With the unusually warm weather melting snow, warming the ground and causing rivulets through mud, the trip may not be possible this Saturday.  Perhaps if it stays below freezing in the mornings, we will be able to get out there but we would have to leave the lek before it warms up enough to thaw the ground. We will check conditions Wednesday or Thursday morning to see if it is doable, and give further details then. You may call in advance to be sure the trip is not postponed or cancelled.

Watching the lek. Photo by Libby Megna.