This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
There are kinds of unique mating rituals in the wildlife world, but only grouse are credited with the strut.
Utahns curious about why a bird dance gets so much attention can see for themselves during an upcoming free field trip being offered April 27 by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Wild About Birds Nature Center in Layton.
The strut is mating ritual display of male grouse on traditional mating grounds. In this case, near Henefer.
Participants will meet at 5 a.m. at the Wild About Birds Nature Center, 1986 N. Hill Field Road, in Layton. The group will then caravan in their own cars to the site for a morning of viewing the sage grouse displays.
The event is being led by Bill Fenimore of the Wild About Birds Nature Center and Phil Douglass of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
"Our bird walks are a great family activity and a wonderful way to introduce children to the world of nature," says Bill Fenimore, the expert birder who owns the center.
Twitter: @BrettPrettyman