Hello Everyone!

We are currently 9 days into the viewing season and so far we have had some incredible days viewing the courtship of the magnificent and beautiful, Gunnison Sage–grouse.  Throughout the last week or so, morning temperatures have ranged from 19 to 32 degrees. It warmed up a bit from the 4^th to the 7^th, but temperatures dropped back to about 19 to 20 degrees yesterday and today.  There has been no precipitation. On average, we have counted 31 birds total per day with a high of 46 yesterday. Below are the counts from each day:

 

April 1^st: Males-23 Females-4 

April 2^nd: Males-20 Females-4 Unknown-1

April 3^rd: Males-17 Females-5

April 4^th: Males-15 Females-1 Unknown-11

April 5^th: Males-30 Females-4 Unknown-5

April 6^th: Males-28 Females-4 Unknown-2

April 7^th: Males-22 Females-2 Unknown-1

April 8^th: Males-32 Females-6 Unknown-8

April 9^th: Males-32 Females-2 

 

All of the birds seen were in the North Meadow and on the East Ridge, with a few birds on the southern outskirts of the North Meadow towards the Main Lek. No birds have been observed in the Main Lek. We have observed quite a bit of coyote activity, hearing calls throughout the mornings and seeing up to 3 individuals on one morning. A few coyotes have passed near the lek sites, but no response from the birds was observed. Additional wildlife seen at the site include: Elk, Common Raven, Black-billed Magpie, Rough-legged Hawk, Horned Lark, Western Meadow Lark, Mountain Bluebird, Red-winged Blackbird, and Mallards.

 

A few reminders about viewing:

Beginning this year, Colorado Parks and Wildlife requires all non-commercial viewers to have a hunting or fishing license to visit the site. 

 

Due to COVID-19, we do not have the viewing trailer this year and instead are having visitors view from their vehicles. Please be mindful about not turning on your engine or making other disturbances including opening/closing car doors or leaving vehicles until the volunteer has confirmed that the birds have finished their displays and left the lek. 

 

The site will be closed beginning this Sunday, April 11^th, until the 17^th to give the birds a break from the presence of visitors during this important stage in their reproduction. The site will re-open April 18^th. Thank you so much for your cooperation in reducing disturbance to this imperiled and highly sensitive species that we are so privileged to observe, and have a wonderful time viewing!