It's that time of year - prairie chickens

[bmell]

Sutherland, NE. There are four species of grouse found in Nebraska. The greater prairie chicken find their way to a "lek" or booming ground each spring to position the dominant bird for breeding. It's quite a show and sometimes they really go after it. I shot with the sun positioned more behind the birds this time to create a rim light effect. D5, 600mm f/4.0

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[Allan]

Very nice action shot. Like the interaction.

 

[Terri French]

That's a great shot!! I love the colors of the background against the bird.

 

[Louis Champan]

Terrific shot what a unique experience to witness this activity.

 

[Butlerkid]

Impressive action shot, Brad!!!! Really nice to see movement and interaction! Thanks for sharing!

 

[bmell]

Very nice action shot. Like the interaction.

They move faster than lighting. Its tough to catch in focus. Thanks!

 

[bmell]

That's a great shot!! I love the colors of the background against the bird.

Thanks Terri, the prairie colors always work for me.

 

[bmell]

Terrific shot what a unique experience to witness this activity.

I spent the night in my car and put up a viewing blind, its a fair amount of work but worth the effort.

 

[bmell]

Impressive action shot, Brad!!!! Really nice to see movement and interaction! Thanks for sharing!

They really do get after it but seldom draw blood.

 

[jbird]

Great shots. The Atwater prairie chickens are usually too far away to get that quality of a shot. I have a few proof of sighting shots but nothing to publish

 

[frdjohns]

Wow - what a great shot.

 

[NikonAIS]

Terrific shot!

If they are both males could you call this a "cock fight"?

 

[bmell]

Great shots. The Atwater prairie chickens are usually too far away to get that quality of a shot. I have a few proof of sighting shots but nothing to publish

I would love to watch the atwater birds, I understand they are critically endangered.

 

[catalyst]

Sutherland, NE. There are four species of grouse found in Nebraska. The greater prairie chicken find their way to a "lek" or booming ground each spring to position the dominant bird for breeding. It's quite a show and sometimes they really go after it. I shot with the sun positioned more behind the birds this time to create a rim light effect. D5, 600mm f/4.0 View attachment 1681548

Beautiful, Brad! Reminds me of my time as a docent on the Konza Prairie!

 

[catalyst]

I would love to watch the atwater birds, I understand they are critically endangered.

 

[jbird]

I would love to watch the atwater birds, I understand they are critically endangered.

They are. The NWR outside of Katy Texas opens up the booming grounds one weekend a year. We have been a few times. The people with the best views had spotting scopes. The 200-500 is not long enough.

 

[bmell]

Beautiful, Brad! Reminds me of my time as a docent on the Konza Prairie!

Konza is doing their annual prairie burn right now. It smokes effects Nebraska quite a bit.

 

[drr1531]

Excellent capture, Brad.

 

[Palouse]

45 years and 6 days ago I got married in Missoula, MT. My best friends in TX were expected to show up, play music and help party. Unfortunately, Atwater's Prairie Chickens decided to mate early—and all my friends, biologists all, had to stay home and work. My wife has never forgiven those damn chickens.

 

[catalyst]

Konza is doing their annual prairie burn right now. It smokes effects Nebraska quite a bit.

Sadly, I know, Brad. Researchers @ K-State have been trying to put in place alternatives that might help to mitigate this somewhat. Are you still up @ Grand island? I recall stopping by many years ago to meet you on my way up to Kearney and the Platte for the Sand Hills' migration.