Sunday morning my husband and myself, along with some friends arose at 4:30 am to be at a Sharp-tailed Grouse lek an hour before sunrise…
Arriving an hour before sunrise with stars still in the sky and a start to a beautiful day…
People wishing to view sharpies dancing must arrive at the lek an hour before sunrise in order not to disturb the grouse.
Beautiful sunrise on the lek…
The mating routine of Sharp-tailed Grouse involves males displaying communally at a traditional site (one used year after year). This site is known as a “lek.” Males compete for mates by performing a ritualized dance in conjunction with calling (often a booming sound) and inflating purplish air sacs along their necks. Females approach the edge of the lek, observe and eventually select a dance participant to mate with.
Male grouse hold territories on the lek with the dominant male usually claiming the most central position. The central male also normally mates with the most females. In general, a male’s success at attracting females is highly correlated with his position on the lek. This leads to relatively few males siring most of the young.
Above information from here…
Here are just a few pictures from that morning…
Linking up with Friends at…
Dancing Aspens Farm Blog 
wonderful
Wonderful series of photos of the lek.
You’ve left me speechless!! Wow…the colors, the displaying, the beautiful bird of which I’ll never see here in Texas along the coast. I’m so envious. FANtastic.
Again, I’m a bit late visiting, but I wanted to stop by and view your bird shares…thanks for linking in this week at I’d Rather B Birdin’. Your participating is always so appreciated.
Did I say I was in total AWE?
Fantastic series of photos and great bird!
Great photos!
I saw a PBS special on the grouse, but to see them in person – fantastic!
What an experience that must have been! I’d get up super early any day to be able to see that!
Great captures of the dance. I enjoy watching bird activity, especially the dances and such to attract a mate.