There’s no better way to spend an early Spring morning than in a blind on the sage steppe. Pronghorn, Meadowlarks and Jackrabbits all made their way around the beautiful terrain, all oblivious of my presence. But it was something else I was hoping for that morning. There it was, that signature sound, almost like a bouncing ball.

From behind the sagebrush, they started to emerge. Male Sage Grouse, hoping to attract a female with that odd bouncing sound. The sound a result of rapidly inflating and deflating air sacs on their chests, one of the most unique displays in the animal kingdom.

As the sun rose, warm morning light bathed the landscape around me. The Grouse acted as if it were a spotlight, and they, the stars of the show. A wonderful Spring morning indeed!

Want your own Grouse adventure? I offer one-on-one Grouse photography workshops. Don’t wait too long, spots are limited!