Burt/Tweeters,

Those fancy chickens start real early. This is what Sisk-a-dee has to
say about the only Colorado public viewing site for the Gunnison Sage
grouse.

"The best time to view the elaborate and bizarre breeding dance of the
Gunnison Sage-grouse is from 1 April to early-May. Gunnison Sage-
grouse wake up early and arrive on the leks (breeding grounds) before
dawn. Therefore, to minimize impacts on birds, visitors must arrive
one hour before sunrise and remain at leks until breeding displays
have ended. Displays may continue for a couple hours after sunrise."
Do not get out of your vehicle. Bring something to amuse the children
and a strong bladder.

I know the Lesser Prairie Chickens also display at sundown. Don't
know about these grouse.

The Gunnison is considered a separate species. Utah Fish and Wild is
attempting to pull off a Friday evening talk and Saturday morning
public viewing in early April in the SE corner of the state. Its a
long way from any major airport and they have a lot of snow. If any
of you tweeters have an interest in such an adventure send me an email
and I will tell you more.

Larry Schwitters
Issaquah


On Mar 8, 2010, at 11:42 AM, Guttman,Burt wrote:

> The recent discussion of conservation issues for Sage Grouse raises
> the related question of seeing them, In early April, I'll be
> driving with part of my family down to Death Valley, CA, and I'm
> looking for possible places to see Sage Grouse (and other goodies)
> on the way. One place that's recommended is Virtue Flats, east of
> Baker, Oregon; Evanich cites it in his guide to Oregon birding, but
> his book is now 20 years old. If anyone has up-to-date information
> that would help us, I'd appreciate hearing from you. And, BTW, I
> take it that to observe the action at one of their leks we have to
> be up and out very early in the morning--which could be a hassle
> with kids.
>
> Cheers and thanks,
> Burt
>
> Burt Guttman
> The Evergreen State College
> Olympia, WA 98505 guttmanb at evergreen.edu
> Home: 7334 Holmes Island Road S. E., Olympia, 98503
>
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> Tweeters at u.washington.edu
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