Yesterdays absolutely HOWLING wind carried on through this morning, although it was abating somewhat by the time the sun rose. Given the weather, I was uncertain whether Dan’s welcome observation of 9 males on Chugwater would be repeated today. Mary and I arrived and saw 2 males on the open part of the lek- better than zero, but far from 9 (or the much larger numbers we had last year). A scan through the sage revealed several other grouse, and these males soon made short flights onto the main arena. Our high count was 17! This included quite a few juvenile males- many of these took off mid-way through our hour there. I would love to know where they came from and where they are headed- are they checking out other leks? What did they think of Chugwater, and will they be back?

Monument is still disappointing us with yet another zero count.

My splurge investment in personal research gear arrived yesterday- a new camera and telephoto lens. I haven’t gotten to use it much yet, but I’m looking forward to yet more sage-grouse photos. In the mean time- an early morning Horned Lark, one of the few songbirds out here in the sage at this time of year.