Few things in nature are as spectacular as sage grouse males putting on an elaborate courtship display in the spring. And Utahns have a chance to view that display Saturday.
The Division of Wildlife Resources will host a free wildlife viewing event to give birders a chance to see and even photograph this spring ritual Saturday at Emma Park, about 13 miles north of Price.
Sage grouse gather at sites adjacent to nesting grounds called leks, where the males put on displays of courtship characterized by strutting and unique vocalizations.
You need to register quickly, though. Because the birds are sensitive to human disturbances, the event is limited to 15 vehicles and pre-registration is required. Viewing the birds is best before and right after sunrise, so attendees will need to be at the site early.
To register, call DWR regional conservation outreach coordinator Morgan Jacobsen at 435-613-3707 or email Jacobsen at morganjacobsen@Utah.gov.
"Watching sage grouse perform their impressive rituals, on traditional strutting grounds, is an extraordinary experience," said Jacobsen. "This is a chance to escape the busyness of life and watch a quiet, yet remarkable, natural event in Utah."
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune A Sage-Grouse Struts on a lek in the Parker Mountain area, near Loa, Utah, Friday, April 22, 2016.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune A Sage-Grouse Struts on a lek in the Parker Mountain area, near Loa, Utah, Friday, April 22, 2016.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune A Sage-Grouse Struts on a lek in the Parker Mountain area, near Loa, Utah, Friday, April 22, 2016.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune A Sage-Grouse Struts on a lek in the Parker Mountain area, near Loa, Utah, Friday, April 22, 2016.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Two Sage-Grouse fight for dominance, while strutting on a lek in the Parker Mountain area, near Loa, Utah, Friday, April 22, 2016.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Two Sage-Grouse fight for dominance, while strutting on a lek in the Parker Mountain area, near Loa, Utah, Friday, April 22, 2016.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune A Sage-Grouse Struts takes flight after strutting on a lek in the Parker Mountain area, near Loa, Utah, Friday, April 22, 2016.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Two Sage-Grouse fight for dominance, while strutting on a lek in the Parker Mountain area, near Loa, Utah, Friday, April 22, 2016.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune A Sage-Grouse Struts on a lek in the Parker Mountain area, near Loa, Utah, Friday, April 22, 2016.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune A Sage-Grouse Struts on a lek in the Parker Mountain area, near Loa, Utah, Friday, April 22, 2016.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Two Sage-Grouse face off while strutting on a lek in the Parker Mountain area, near Loa, Utah, Friday, April 22, 2016.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune A Sage-Grouse Struts on a lek in the Parker Mountain area, near Loa, Utah, Friday, April 22, 2016.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune A Sage-Grouse Struts on a lek in the Parker Mountain area, near Loa, Utah, Friday, April 22, 2016.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Two Sage-Grouse fight for dominance, while strutting on a lek in the Parker Mountain area, near Loa, Utah, Friday, April 22, 2016.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune A Sage-Grouse walks on a lek in the Parker Mountain area, near Loa, Utah, Friday, April 22, 2016.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune A Sage-Grouse walks on a lek in the Parker Mountain area, near Loa, Utah, Friday, April 22, 2016.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune A Sage-Grouse Struts on a lek in the Parker Mountain area, near Loa, Utah, Friday, April 22, 2016.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Two Sage-Grouse face off while strutting on a lek in the Parker Mountain area, near Loa, Utah, Friday, April 22, 2016.
