Subject: [Tweeters] Greater Sage-grouse near Leahy Junction etc
Date: May 4 16:18:36 2006
From: Alan J. Knue - bluejay at surfbirder.com
Hello Everyone-
It's not too late to see Greater Sage-grouse at the Leahy Junction Lek.
This morning (May 4) at 4:30am I could already hear the males booming
and as it became light enough to see, I counted 15 males and no less
than 8 females. The birds were scattered NW of the viewing site (see A
Birder's Guide to Washington for directions) along a shallow ravine,and
some males furthest to the right were difficult to see (but not
difficult to hear) and I knew there were definitely more than 15 males.
The males performed enthusiastically until around 7:30 when the females
abruptly left the lek followed quickly by most of the males- I counted
27 birds in flight and there were still 3 males on the lek preening and
feeding when I left at 7:45. Quite a show and worth the early hour.
Other birds at this location included Brewer's Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow,
Horned Lark, Western Meadowlark, Sage Thrasher, Northern Harrier, and
Swainson's Hawk.
I also had a chance to drive and walk FR-37 above Conconully for grouse
on this work related trip, driving toward Baldy Pass on the evenings of
May 2 and 3. The road was mostly bare and dry to just above mile post 8
and then fairly extensive snow above this point. Heard several drumming
Ruffed Grouse and saw an extremely tame male on the road. But that was
it for grouse. Not much else in this forest yet, although Cassin's Vireo
and Williamson's Sapsucker were seen.
Chao! Alan
PS. I birded Mount Spokane State Park on April 26. Again, the forests
were pretty quiet, although some nice ones were seen- many Red
Crossbills and one Ruffed Grouse (again an extremely tame bird on the road).
Alan J. Knue
bluejay at surfbirder.com
Seattle, WA