Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus)

            It is always a blessing to be in the presence of lekking threatened Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse. The sounds, the dance… it is all so magical to be a witness to it. Grassland birds are suffering steep declines across their range and are impacted by agriculture, development, pesticides, climate change and fires. 60% of grassland birds in Canada have disappeared since the 1970’s. We must do all we can to conserve and save our grassland habitats so that grassland birds and these grouse in particular can dance on and thrive. 
These photos were taken from a blind to prevent any disturbance. The lek was approached before the grouse arrived (an hour before sunrise) and I left after the last grouse departed. It is tiring and your body aches but it is worth it to share in the magic. The beautiful chevrons on their feathers, the yellow eye-combs, the purple air sacs are all splendid and awe inspiring. The boldness of the sounds and dances they make with their stamping feet, outstretched wings and pointed upright tails of a normally secretive species is something to behold.
   

Taken on: April 30, 2023

Tags:

STGR

Sharp-tailed Grouse

Lek

Lekking

the dance

grassland birds

save our grasslands

courting

display

courtship

male

Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus

game bird

game

grouse

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Sets appears in: • Game Birds (Galliformes)

Groups appears in: • Birds Photos - Check out the new discussions! • GlobalBirdTrekkers more » • Wild Bird Photography • Wild Birds of North America • Worldwide Fauna • PLANETA ANIMAL • The Traveler's Bucket List • Birdier « less

Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II, f/5.6, 1/2000 sec, 176mm, ISO 500 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Lens:	EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Aperture:	f/5.6
Exposure Time:	0.001 sec (1/2000)
Focal Length:	176mm
ISO:	500
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Manual
Exposure Mode:	Manual
Metering Mode:	Spot
White Balance:	Manual
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic 12.3 (Windows)
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