Sharp-tailed Grouse Mating Ritual

[mcary]

I went out to view the sharp-tailed grouse mating dance this morning. It really is an interesting display. If you have a chance to go see it I would definately recommend it. These pics were taken with a Canon Rebel XT with a 70-200 f/4.0 L series lens. I could have used a little longer lens. I had to use a little digital zoom and some cropping. It definately shows in the image. Have to go again next year with a bigger lens.

[jonny_redhorse]

Absolutely wonderful captures, mcary!.......I've been thinking of reserving a sharptail "lek" site myself(the one by Eveleth...(south Sax-bog) but probably close to done by now......I like the 3rd pic the best........ jonny

[Dbl]

What a sight, I like #3 also. Nice capture.

[fishingmike0770]

awesome pics, they are such cool looking birds!

[M.T. Bucket]

You may have a little time, JR. I viewed them from a blind last year on April 29th, and they were going strong...dozens of them. Two years ago, I viewed from the blind in Palo...unless they put in a new blind or you just want to go near home, I do not recommend that one. The birds are difficult to see and the blind is cramped. I have heard there is a great blind near Cloquet, but I've never been there.

If you really want a great experience, I highly recommend the blind near Palisade in Aitkin County. All kinds of birds--very easy to see and comfortable. In fact, there were sharpies landing right on top of the blind and displaying at arms length right out side. It was possible to hear every sound and see everything. The birds were not very spooky either. When it became obvious that they were going to display all morning, my friend and I finally got out to leave and the birds barely flushed with some only moving 30 yards or so to continue their activities.

Another bonus, the blind in Aitkin County has great habitat around and there were singing eastern meadowlarks, hunting northern harriers, savannah sparrows, Brewer's blackbirds, and lots of other species around. I saw a snowy owl there this winter...and a few of those are still around.

[Steve Foss]

Thanks for the good info, Mr. Bucket.

I haven't watched the grouse dance since the blind at Lone Tree Wildlife Management Area in central N.D. ten years ago. Do you have contact info to reserve that blind for next spring?

[jonny_redhorse]

thanks also MT for that info!...I think I have an "in" on a sharptail "lek" site for next year....I have a co-worker(draftsman) where I work that has a private field somewhere in the grand rapids area that the sharptail frequent each year.....he's welcomed me to take my camera .....of course next year jonny

[M.T. Bucket]

Do you think he'd be willing to share the spot? I'd be really interested in seeing that.

Steve,

I don't have a contact, I would think you'd want to call the Aitkin DNR Wildlife office.

[jonny_redhorse]

I will see him in a week or so and I will see what he thinks.....I wouldn't forsee a problem but one never knows.......jonny

[mcary]

I figured I would share to contact information with everyone since it seems to be a hot topic. I found this in the March-April 2006 edition of the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer. The number for the Palisade blind is 218-927-6915. The Kettle River blind (near Barnum) is 218-879-0880 ext. 225 (the article says 223, but is incorrect). It has the Palo blind listed as 218-744-7448 ext. 2224 and 320-245-6789 for the Rutledge blind. I hope this is helpful for everyone. Just be sure to save a spot for me next year If you have any other questions you can email me at [email protected]

[jonny_redhorse]

MT.....not sure if it's to late allready for this years sharp-tail(gotta be on the back side of the dancing lek thing by now) but the people I talked to said it would be ok....no problem...the blind only holds 2 people but more then likely would be for next year........no ....it's not in grand rapids area but up by red lake(kelliher country)(sorry about that )......but.......he'll find out more information and get back to me this up coming week on this years activity and go from there....certainly wouldn'twant to drive all the way up there to an empty field!......jonny