28 Nebraskaland • March 2025
ast spring, when I decided to try
out the new sharp-tailed grouse
viewing blind at Niobrara
State Park, I wasn't prepared
for how funny the birds would be.
A dozen of them were gathered on
a pasture west of the park's entrance,
performing spring mating rituals. The
males moved incredibly fast, like video
game characters. They rushed along
with wings extended, stamping their
feet rapidly.
They would freeze in place for about
10 seconds, the moment drawing out
until you wondered if something was
wrong. Then, out of nowhere, the fl urry
of activity would begin again, just as
furious as before, and everyone in the
blind would chuckle. Pairs of males
also faced off in intense staredowns,
occasionally leaping into the air.
The sounds they made are hard
to describe — squeaking, chittering,
squawking and even a low thrumming
that is a bit like a frog's. It was a
symphony of sorts that began before
the sun rose and lasted more than an
hour.
The entire thing was delightful,
and our group was spellbound. At 7:33
a.m., the last of the birds took fl ight at
once, their morning ritual complete.
"That was fabulous," a woman
commented.
This was the second year the
park off ered this wildlife watching
By Renae Blum
at Niobrara State Park
L
A Grouse
Tour and
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Teri Farha (left), Kris Wilshusen and Ted Farha, all from Wichita, Kansas, watch
sharp-tailed grouse from a new blind at Niobrara State Park. RENAE BLUM, NEBRASKALAND
