Strutting Sage Grouse watching trips in GTNP
Watch spring-time mating dance at lek strutting area
by Grand Teton National Park
March 26, 2005
To help celebrate the upcoming National Park Week, Grand Teton National Park park rangers will lead early-morning tours to observe strutting sage grouse as they perform their spring-time mating dance on a traditional lek (strutting arena) located just off the Antelope Flats Road near Mormon Row. Strutting grouse trips will be offered Sunday, April 10, and during both Saturday and Sunday of the following two weekends, April 16–17 and April 23–24.
Strutting grouse tours will begin from the Moose Visitor Center at 5:30 am and reservations are required. To make a reservation and obtain information about what to wear and bring along on these ranger-led trips, phone the Moose Visitor Center at 739-3399.
Ranger-led excursions offer a unique opportunity to view this spring-time ritual, as sage grouse congregate to perform animated mating displays. Rangers will also provide information about the natural history of sage grouse and conservation efforts underway, as grouse populations are declining throughout much of the West.
National Park Week will be celebrated during the week of April 16 – 24. The theme for this year’s observance is "National Parks: America’s Gift to the World." The week-long celebration offers diverse opportunities for U.S. citizens and international visitors alike to explore and learn about America’s exceptional natural, cultural, and recreational heritage. National Park Week also salutes the many individuals, groups and associations that help make the National Park System one of this Nation’s greatest assets.
Additional information about National Park Week will be available in early April on the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov. For further information about the grouse watching tours, please call 307-739-3399.
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