A few weeks ago, I wrote: "Each year the Laramie Audubon Society schedules a trip to visit the Greater Sage-Grouse lek north of Laramie. The lek is on private property and is accessed via an unimproved two track road. Many years, weather/range conditions prevent access to the site (snow drifts, mud, etc.). What will happen this year?"
Well, we now (Tuesday, April, 4th) have the answer to that question. The lek will not be accessible this year. Tune in again next year.
If you are itching to see some lekking grouse, you could participate in the Cheyenne-High Plains Audubon Society's April 15th trip to a Sharp-tailed Grouse lek near Hillsdale: https://cheyenneaudubon.org/
With snow falling today, we are not optimistic. However, a spate of warm, sunny, windy weather could dry the roads out in time for the trip. So pencil it in on your calendar: Saturday, April 8th, departing from the Eppson Center (1560 N. 3rd Street) at 5:30 a.m. Check this website on Friday April 7th to find out whether we are going!!
We will be taking precautions to avoid disturbing the grouse as they strut upon their stage, including parking at a distance from the lek and quietly viewing the birds using binoculars or (hopefully!) a spotting scope from the parking area. This trip requires no walking. Dogs are not allowed on this trip.
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