Flex at the Lek
On a recent clear and calm spring morning, I arose at 4:45 a.m. to gear up and drive for an hour to a preidentified location where the courting rituals of Utah’s greater sage-grouse could be observed. As I drove east, the early morning rays of sunlight, still below the horizon, imbued pastel colors onto the high passing clouds. I was looking for a sage-grouse lek, which is the name for their native gathering area. The sun was just illuminating the hilltops as I rounded a bend and spotted seven or eight sage grouse in a field to my right. I pulled off the road, lowered my passenger window to the chilly spring air, and raised my camera with a 600-millimeter lens to target the closest male, who was already strutting his stuff.
Swagger
Several hens watched from cover in the sage as multiple males randomly gulped air and inflated two tawny air sacs on their chests. Instinctively, they swished their wings forward as their whole front ends expanded beneath black throats and white plumage. Intermittently, I heard the signature “bloop” sounds as the males let the air sacs deflate in split-second bursts. For forty-five minutes, I gratefully enjoyed this rhythmic, repeating sequence of chest flexes, struts, ninety-degree spins, and the fanning of spiky tail feathers. It was both ridiculous and impressive, but the hens watched closely, seemingly tabulating scores for the best-flex award.
Rewards
What I came to appreciate most, however, was not simply the performance itself, but the effect the experience had on me. The anticipation of observing the sage-grouse helped quiet my mind and prepared me for the moment. The actual observation brought awe, soft fascination, and a stillness that refreshed my mental and emotional capacity. I temporarily set aside the bombardment of outside stimulation to relearn patience, silently observing and reflecting on the joy of the moment. The morning light on the verdant hills, a slight chill in the air, the interaction of the grouse, and the orchestral calls of other birds all combined to imprint on my soul and renew my spirit.
My encounter with the sage-grouse lek reminded me why I return to the field again and again. Bird watching is not just a pastime; it is a way of stepping out of noise and into quiet presence. I drove home grateful for the calm it left behind, already looking forward to the next encounter.
Post Notes
View a video of this bird’s dramatic chest action at https://www.youtube.com/@utahguidedotcom
Find wildlife viewing locations on the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website: utah.wildlife.gov.
Additional Note
I should note that, thus far in my bird-watching career, I prefer viewing larger birds. It’s tough enough to get close enough to large birds to appreciate their shapes, colors, habits, and calls. I’m not sure I’ve yet found the patience for careful observation of smaller birds. I salute those of you who are undoubtedly light-years ahead of me in this respect.
Health & Fitness
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mark Wade is active in hiking, writing, photography, and videography. He works as a tourism marketing consultant, for which he has won numerous awards. For five years, he was a weekly guest on the KSL Outdoors radio show. Mark is the former Director of Tourism for southwestern Utah and has served on the board of directors for various tourism associations.
