Konza Prairie (http://keep.konza.ksu.edu/)
We left Manhattan for a short drive to the site and arrived at our agreed meeting point for 5.45am. The signpost had directed us to the outlook point but there was no prospect of a panoramic view across Konza reserve just yet, sun up wasn’t until 6.30am. The guide’s chevvie van was already full so we followed on. We were led along a gravel track road and as we progressed deeper into the reserve the acrid tang of burnt grass filled our nostrils and we knew that the tradition of burning to encourage new growth was also practised here, as in so much of the rest of the state.
On arrival we found ourselves parking alongside a barbed wire fence, (there’s an awful lot across the state and they even have a barbed wire museum in LaCrosse, but we resisted the temptation to visit.) Just ahead was a blind, low and flat roofed positioned to view along a firebreak next to the fence. This was a linear lek and the males usually stake their claim along the short grass at intervals of 15 feet or so. We took out seats, and slightly disturbed the leader who was bemused that some of the English party preferred not to use the spongy seat pads provided. We were warned that we would have to keep still once the chickens arrived and needless to say we had no problems with that.
It was not long before birds began to emerge from the long grass on either side of the mowed strip to take up their positions, and perform. To those who are not Greater Prairie Chicken kind there seemed little between performers, but a study has shown that most dominant and successful birds occupy the central spots. The individuals are identifiable as they have been colour ringed and some had colour markings on the under tail coverts. It’s debatable whether pink or blue dye on feathers that are usually brilliant white may affect the success of an individual and skew study results but one thing’s for sure, the first guy down from the blind really gave it 100%. His display was continuous. He barely stopped for rest and continued until well after everyone else was flagging as the sun rose higher in the sky. It seems you have to try really hard when you’re the bottom of the stack. Another highlight was a short visit from a male who, although we barely saw him, displayed briefly on the blind roof, his stomping feet and booming calls reverberated around the enclosed space, from which we watched, drove the little guy that we were all rooting for frantic. Three females came to visit the lek but showed a distinct lack of enthusiasm as the seven males present appeared to fail to impress.
It is usual for the one or two most dominant males to do about 90% of the mating.
These birds are believed to live for two to three years and despite being on the decline are considered fair game during hunting season. The species are sensitive to drought and human activity. A study conducted by Kansas State University found that "most prairie-chicken hens avoided nesting or rearing their broods within a quarter-mile of power lines and within a third-mile of improved roads." (Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks) It was also found that the prairie-chickens avoided communication towers and rural farms.
On the journey down on interstate 70 we had a female Merlin on a fence post and as we drove though the fields around Monument Rock saw a Pronghorn and stumbled across two Lesser Priaire Chickens, a male and female, plus the area was littered with Horned larks.
It is usual for the one or two most dominant males to do about 90% of the mating.
These birds are believed to live for two to three years and despite being on the decline are considered fair game during hunting season. The species are sensitive to drought and human activity. A study conducted by Kansas State University found that "most prairie-chicken hens avoided nesting or rearing their broods within a quarter-mile of power lines and within a third-mile of improved roads." (Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks) It was also found that the prairie-chickens avoided communication towers and rural farms.
Greater Prairie Chicken
Viewing blind
Wild Turkey
Henry's Elfin
On the journey down on interstate 70 we had a female Merlin on a fence post and as we drove though the fields around Monument Rock saw a Pronghorn and stumbled across two Lesser Priaire Chickens, a male and female, plus the area was littered with Horned larks.
Monument rock
Horned Lark