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Prairie-Chicken Viewing

Viewing Options

View from inside one of the
Lesser Prairie-Chicken/Sharp-tailed Grouse Blinds
Outside view of two Lesser Prairie-Chicken/Sharp-tailed Grouse blinds after a morning a fabulous views
Outside view of the
Greater Prairie-Chicken Blind
View from inside the
Greater Prairie-Chicken Blind


 

We are offering three options for viewing prairie-chickens and one option for viewing Sharp-tailed Grouse. All options include snacks that could be taken into the blind, and a hearty breakfast after prairie-chicken viewing.

For persons with mobility challenges: We hope to provide an environment where all abilities can appreciate the prairie-chickens and the other wonderful birding spots in Kansas. For example, we are able to drive up to at least one lesser, greater, and sharp-tailed grouse leks. The participant would only need to get out of a vehicle and sit in a chair. The blind can be lifted over the person. If someone has difficulty getting in and out of a 15 passenger van, we may be able to accommodate a personal vehicle if it has AWD or 4WD capabilities. Please look for the checkbox on the registration form and describe how we can support an enjoyable viewing experience.  

1.    Lesser Prairie-Chicken Viewing from a Blind

This option allows people to view Lesser Prairie-Chickens from a popup blind (Ameristep Magnum Caretaker). These large blinds comfortably fit four people. Two participants will be in front near the viewing window, and two behind them.  Each person will receive a chair and about 30 inches x 30 inches of space.  There is not enough room for a tripod, so a monopod is recommended if you need the extra help holding up binoculars or a small camera. Participants will be encouraged to switch positions (front/back) at least once during the morning of observation. Photographers who have large tripods and lenses may reserve more space in the blind by reserving a 'photographer's spot' which will provide the photographer with 30 inches x 60 inches of space. Two photographers will share one blind, and they can comfortably photograph half the lek. 

Blinds are placed 100-200 feet from prairie-chickens.  The opening will face west to allow for optimal photography (sunrise behind blind) and to prevent sun from shining in the blind.

There is a chance that observers will get to see Greater Prairie-Chickens or hybrids from these leks, but it is not guaranteed.

Participants should be able to tolerate sitting still in cold temperatures without access to a bathroom for 5 hours or more. Participants must be 12 years old or older. Participants must be able to walk up to a half mile in the dark over uneven terrain, unless they check the mobility box on the registration form. 

2.    Greater Prairie-Chicken Viewing from a Blind

This option allows people to view Greater Prairie-Chickens from a popup blind (either Ameristep Magnum Caretaker or Double Bull Surroundview).  As we have limited access to Greater Prairie-Chicken leks, we will maximize the number of participants by only offering watching seats (not photographer seats). Each person will get 30 x 30 inches of space. No tripods should be allowed, but monopods could be used with smaller cameras. Blinds are placed 100-200 feet from prairie-chickens.  The opening will face west to allow for optimal photography (sunrise behind blind) and to prevent sun from shining in the blind.  Only Greater Prairie-Chickens will be observed (no Lesser Prairie-Chickens or hybrids). Participants should be able to tolerate sitting still in cold temperatures without access to a bathroom for 5 hours or more. Participants must be 12 years old or older.  Participants must be able to walk up to a half mile in the dark over uneven terrain, unless they check the mobility box on the registration form.

3.    Lesser and Greater Prairie-Chicken Viewing from a Van

This option is for those who want a high chance of seeing or hearing both Greater and Lesser Prairie-Chickens in the same morning. Birds will be viewed at a distance of 0.25-0.5 miles (not optimal for photography). Participants may not have access to a bathroom for 4 hours or more, but will have access to a heated van and the ability to walk around. At viewing locations, participants will exit the van and view the prairie-chickens through spotting scopes and binoculars. Again, if you need special accommodations for mobility, please check the appropriate box on the registration form.

4.    Pre- and Post-Conference Trip - Sharp-tailed Grouse in Nebraska

Why not see all Tympanuchus species on your trip?  Sharp-tailed Grouse are in the same genus as prairie-chickens (Tympanuchus), but have different displays.  They synchronously stomp and rattle to attract females, as well as synchronously freezing to add to the effect. This pre- and post-conference trip will be from 9am on Monday until 5pm on Wednesday (April 8-10 or 15-17, 2024). It will include van transportation starting and ending at Hays to Audubon of Kansas’ Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary near Bassett, Nebraska (along the Niobrara National Scenic River).  This 5000-acre Wildlife Sanctuary is a working ranch, and provides habitat not only for Sharp-tailed Grouse, but also Greater Prairie-Chicken, mountain lion, bobcat, elk, and porcupine. In summer, it is home to nesting Sandhill Cranes, Long-billed Curlew, and rails.  Included in the trip are all meals and double-occupancy lodging at an Audubon of Kansas guest house with shared bathrooms.  Sharp-tailed Grouse will be viewed from a blind in the same manner as is described for Lesser Prairie-Chickens above, although viewing from a distance in a van may also be possible for those with health concerns or mobility issues. Additional locations will be visited for additional birding and wildlife viewing opportunities.

NOTE: ALL PRAIRIE-CHICKEN TOURS ARE WEATHER-DEPENDENT.  Participants will not be allowed to enter blinds if lightning is in the area. Following heavy rains, roads may become impassible.  

Viewing Etiquette

To be sure everyone has a chance to see the birds, to avoid disturbance to the birds, and to comply with regulations associated with the Lesser Prairie-Chickens being listed as a threatened species in Kansas under the Endangered Species Act, please follow these rules when viewing prairie-chickens:

  1. If you record your sightings in eBird (and we hope you do!) we request that you do not specify the exact location of the lek. The leks are all on private property and not accessible to the public, though some may be viewable from a public road. We do not keep these a secret, per se, but for the birds’ sake we ask you to not pin them precisely in eBird. Anyone visiting a roadside lek, even us, will inevitably disturb the birds, and if a lek were to become popular with birders, the prairie-chickens will likely abandon it. Don’t publicize the location in eBird or social media. Please mark the location by the county or other nearby location. 
  2. Be quiet! If you do need to communicate, please whisper, but avoid unnecessary conversations while in the blinds. Silence your electronic devices and try to avoid other noises, such as metal items hitting each other (i.e. a tripod leg hitting the chair).
  3. Wear drab or dark clothing if possible.
  4. The leader will let you know what side of the blind to expect to see the birds. Only open the viewing window on that one side. You may also remove the mesh, if it is present, for an unobstructed view. It is very important that you do NOT open the other windows on the sides or back. When you do that the birds are able to see human silhouettes and can be spooked.
  5. Once you are settled into the blinds do not turn on your flashlight, headlamp, etc. The light is VERY visible to the birds from outside the blind.
  6. Please keep hands, heads and lenses within the blind.
  7. Do not use a flash with your camera. It will be dark with the bird first start appearing, so if you have a smaller “automatic” camera be sure the flash is turned off.
  8. Please do not exit the blinds until instructed to do so by the leader. There may be times when you cannot see any birds but they may still be there out of your view. The leader will let you know when the birds have dispersed and it is safe to exit the blinds.
  9. If more than two people are in the blind you should periodically rotate positions, so everyone has chances for the “front row” seats. Other than that, please avoid any unnecessary movement while in the blind.
  10. If watching from the van or bus, you will have some extra freedom of movement and talking. How much will depend on how far the vehicle is from the lek. The leader will let you know what is appropriate.
  11. Dress very warmly, even when daytime temperatures are forecast to be in the 80s, nighttime temperatures on the always windy open prairie can be under 40°F. It feels even colder when you are not able to walk around. We recommend at least two layers on legs and upper body, hats, scarfs, and gloves. Seasoned prairie-chicken watchers wear leggings or long underwear under their pants and a snow suit over everything.  If you don't have this equipment, consider bringing an extra blanket to snuggle in.   
  12. Finally, once at the blinds or van viewing location there is no restroom access. You will be in the blinds or van for about 4 hours and cannot leave without disturbing the birds. Since it is very dark when you arrive, behind the bus when we first get there is your last chance! You should also refrain from drinking large amounts of coffee or other beverage if you want to be comfortable.

These guidelines will maximize the chances of everyone having great views of the birds!