Spring a good time to view sage grouse

WORLAND (WNE) — April is one of the best months to view sage grouse on their leks in Wyoming.

The greater sage grouse is the largest species of grouse in North America. Each spring male sage grouse perform an elaborate sunrise display on communal breeding grounds known as leks. While sage grouse require sagebrush landscapes to survive, leks are often located in open areas where the males can be better seen and heard by females.

“The dramatic display makes viewing sage grouse a popular recreational activity during the spring across much of Wyoming,” said Nyssa Whitford, sage grouse biologist for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

The Game and Fish Sage Grouse Lek Viewing Guide provides directions to the best publicly-accessible viewing locations across Wyoming.

Game and Fish offers individuals who view Sage Grouse the following advice:

• Arrive at lek sites at least one hour before sunrise.
• Park away from the edge of the lek. Do not drive onto the lek.
• Turn off vehicle lights and engine.
• Use binoculars and spotting scopes to observe birds.
• Stay in your vehicle.
• Avoid making loud noises or sudden movements.
• Let the bird leave before you do.
• Leave pets at home.
• Respect private land and do not trespass.
• Postpone your visit if roads are muddy.

“It’s important to give (the birds) distance and not be obtrusive,” Whitford said. “Late April is a good time to visit because most of the breeding is complete, but the males are still actively strutting.”

This story was published on April 18, 2024.