We get to study the sage-grouse in a really beautiful place here in Wyoming, and at no time is that more evident than during the full moon. There’s just something about seeing a moonrise over a vast expanse of sage, or watching the moon set over the snow-topped Wind River Range that just gives me chills. It’s always disappointing when we get cloudy weather on those days, but for this cycle in early March 2012, we were lucky enough to get stunningly beautiful moonrise and moonset. The moonset in particular was really magical- I was in a blind in the snow on Monument Lek. The birds on Monument had not really come in on any morning we were watching yet, but this morning Becca and I heard bird after bird fly in just as the moon started falling below the horizon. I’ve added a few more photos to the flickr albums- check out the Photos page for the links.
Alan Krakauer
Animal Behavior, Evolutionary Biology, Natural History
I was biking home a couple days ago under the full moon and it reminded me of how gorgeous full moons are out there. It’s really fun to hear how things are going at Chicken Camp from afar via your blog! Glad things seem to be running smoothly, if a little muddy, so far! Best of luck! Give the rest of the crew and the Chugwater boys a hello for me.
Thanks Mary! Big news this year so far is that we are ditching Preacher and watching part of Cottontail! It’s a pretty nice lek, although we’re only watching maybe 1/3 – 1/2 of the birds. Hope to post more updates soon.