Nebraskaland

Lek Etiquette By Julie Geiser A truly unique outdoor experience lies in Nebraska's prairie grasslands, where courtship rituals of prairie chickens and sharp-tailed grouse take place. The songs and dances of these birds peak in the Sandhills and prairies across the state late March through early May each year. In early spring, flocks of both species break into small groups of separate sexes, marking the start of spring courtship. Groups of males of each species arrive on display grounds, referred to as leks, before sunrise each day and vie for territory and the favor of females by intimidating other males with vocal and visual displays. Often confused for one another, the sharp-tailed grouse is slightly smaller than the greater prairie chicken. Sharptails have v-shaped markings on their breast, while prairie chickens have a uniformly barred breast. Each species also displays a different courtship ritual, both of which are intriguing, spectacular phenomenons. Prairie chicken displays begin with short running episodes followed by abrupt stops and rapid foot- stomping. Males erect their pinnae (ear-like feathers) and inflate their orange neck air-sacs. With wings drooped and tails spread open, they produce a resonant booming sound. For sharp-tailed grouse, the display is an elaborate combination of calls, rapid foot-stomping, clicking of the tail and charges with wings drooped and tail erect. To witness these displays, place a pop-up blind near the edge of a lek. Scout for areas on a rise with short grass, and ask around. Landowners usually know where birds go from year to year and can lead you to areas to set up blinds. Additionally, several public areas have wooden-box blinds available for viewing birds. ■ Free public areas that offer blinds include: The Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Ellsworth, by reservation, (308) 762-4893; Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest near Halsey, first-come- first-served blinds, (308) 533-2257; Valentine National Wildlife Refuge near Valentine, by reservation, (402) 376-3789 or (402) 376-1889. Paid viewing blinds include: Prairie Chicken Dance Tours near McCook, (308) 345-1200, prairiechickendancetours.com; The Sandhills Motel and Glidden Canoe Rental near Mullen, (308) 546-2206 or (888) 278-6167, sandhillsmotel.com; Calamus Outfitters near Burwell, calamusoutfitters.com; and Big Blue Ranch and Lodge near Burchard, bigblueranch.com. Viewing From a Blind • Always view birds from a blind whenever possible, and set up blinds well before sunrise to avoid scaring the birds. • If viewing from a vehicle, also arrive well before sunrise, do not drive on the lek, keep a good distance from the lek, turn engine and lights off and be still. • View birds close up with binoculars and spotting scopes, and use telephoto lenses on cameras. Do not approach the birds. • Be prepared to stay in a blind until the birds leave the area, which could be several hours. • Silence electronics before entering the blind or leave them at home. If photographing the birds, do not use a flash. • Leave pets at home. • Always gain permission before viewing birds on private property. Never trespass. • Wear warm clothing, footwear and layers. Spring weather can be unpredictable and extremely cold. Quiet outdoor wear is preferred so movements don't disturb the birds. • Wear dark clothing. Bright colors may disrupt the birds. • Limit liquid intake as there are no bathrooms available in most viewing blinds. • Tread lightly on lek areas and respect boundaries. Most leks are near potential nesting areas so follow trails when possible. • Small children may not be able to sit still and quietly for two to three hours. • Predators may visit viewing areas; do not try and warn the birds but let nature take its course. 20 NEBRASKAland • MARCH 2017 PHOTO BY JULIE GEISER

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