Binoculars in hand, I hiked across the thawing landscape, winter’s fading chill still hung in the air. I stopped again and scanned the vast terrain, looking as much as I was listening. Nothing. This pattern had become the norm the last 2 days, but somewhere out there were the birds I was looking for. Sitting in my camp that night, I studied some more maps and decided my route for the following days. The birds were out here, I was sure of it.

Setting out early the next morning, I began the process again. Hike, stop, listen, watch, repeat. Hike, stop, listen, watch, repeat. Hike, stop, listen…. wait, what was that? In the distance, I heard it, I was sure of it. Listening, I heard it again. A faint drumming or stomping sound, it paused and started again, another pause and a brief sound of flapping wings. Changing directions, I crept ever closer.

Slowly climbing a hill, I peeked my head up and peered over the other side. There they were! Sharp-tailed Grouse. I watched in fascination as these small Grouse “danced”, their wings spread wide, purple neck patches exposed to attract any nearby females. Occasionally these feisty little birds would pause, two males facing each other, only to burst into action moments later pecking, jumping and beating the other with their wings.

This is what I was hoping for. One of my favorite spring displays!