Watching and photographing Sharp-tailed Grouse
and Prairie Chickens is one of the greatest experiences I have had as a birder
and bird photographer. Whether you are a
birder, a bird photographer, or you just loves nature this spectacle should not
be missed. So, how can you see this
fantastic event for yourself? I
recommend two locations, Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands near Halsey,
Nebraska and Calamus Outfitters about seven miles north of Burwell, Nebraska.
Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek at Bessy Ranger District. Public blind on left, personal photography blinds brought to sight by my friend and I. Photo blinds need to be set-up at least a day prior to use. Contact the National Forest and Grasslands headquarters to select a let of your choosing.
There are numerous locations in
Nebraska to see and photograph Sharp-tailed Grouse and Prairie Chickens, but I
can’t imagine a better place for photography than Bessey Ranger District in the
Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands.
There are about 30 different grouse and chicken leks in the grasslands
and all are available for viewing or photography.
The national forest is just west
of Halsey, but amenities in Halsey are quite sparse.
Halsey is very small, there is one hotel, and one bar/restaurant. There is no gas station, and no source for
groceries, so be sure you fill-up with gas and groceries before you arrive. Halsey is quite isolated, but if
you want to photography Sharp-tailed Grouse and Prairie Chickens this is
perhaps the best place to get close to the birds. I had grouse only a few feet from the
blind.
Sharp-tailed Grouse, Tympanuchus phasianellus: Bessey Ranger District,
Nebraska National Forest and Grassland near Halsey, Nebraska
Only two leks in the Bessey
Ranger District have viewing blinds, one Sharp-tailed and one Prairie Chicken
lek. The current public blinds are
excellent for viewing birds, but are totally unsuitable for photography. Photographers need to bring their own
portable blinds. It is important to set-up the blind the day before the shoot. It would be virtually impossible to set-up a
blind in the darkness and be prepared to shoot the same morning. Whether Viewing bird or photographing birds
you must be in the blinds at least forty-five minutes before sunrise. This is essential. If birds are on the lek before you are in the
blind, they will be frighten off when you arrive. The blinds are right on the lek.
Once in the blind a flashlight
is essential (preferably one with a red filter) to get gear set-up for the big
event. Also bring a small folding
chair. You may be in the blind for 3 to
4 hours, that’s a long time to stand around.
Also bring water and a snack, once in the blind you will need to stay
until the all the birds fly from the lek.
Keep in mind that Nebraska can be down right COLD during the lek season.
This year the lows reached down to
around 42F, last years temperatures were between 10-20 F. Dress warm, layers work great, just have lots
of layers, headgear and gloves.
Greater Prairie Chickens, Tympanuchus cupido:
Calamus Ranch, Calmaus Outfitters near Burwell, Nebraska
If you are not interested in
photography, and just want to view the dance of the Sharp-tailed and Prairie
Chickens, I suggest Calamus Outfitters near Burwell. They have the perfect set-up. You meet at 6:00 AM, soon after that the groups are bussed to a viewing blind for the morning festivities. The blinds themselves are
old school busses. The bus seats have
been removed and replaced with chairs. Windows
on the side of the bus that faces the lek have been removed as
well. The distance of the birds vary,
but some birds may come as close as 75 feet, perfect for viewing.
Greater Prairie Chickens, Tympanuchus cupido:
Calamus Ranch, Calmaus Outfitters near Burwell, Nebraska
The best time to see grouse and
chickens on their leks is between mid March and mid April, so there is still
time this year if you have that urge to see these birds preform their age old
ritual. Below I have listed contact
information for both locations that will be useful in your travels. I have also included known motels and eateries in both areas mentioned.
Contacts: Bessey Ranger District
Sharp-tailed Grouse and Prairie Chicken Viewing and
Photography Information:
Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands area
Motel:
Halsey Frontier Inn
503 Highway 2
Halsey, NE 69142
Phone: (308)533-2240
FAX: (308)533-2323
Campground:
Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands
Bessey Recreation Complex
Reservations: http://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/bessey-recreation-complex/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=74135
Eateries:
Double T Bar
103 Main St, Halsey, NE
69142
(308) 533-2208
Contacts: Burwell, Nebraska
Burwell Area/Garfield County Visitors Bureau
Sharp-tailed Grouse and Prairie Chicken Viewing Information:
Calamus Outfitters
Motels:
Calamus Lodge
46358 828th Rd
Burwell, NE Burwell, NE Burwell, NE
Campgrounds:
Burwell City Park Calamus Lodge Calamus State Recreation Area
North 7th Avenue 46358 828th Rd 42285 York Point Rd
(308) 346-4509 (308) 346-4331
D & C Calamus West Kamp Kaleo on the River
45538 Hwy 96 46872 Willow Sps Rd
(308) 214-0013 (308) 346-5083
Willow Springs RV Park and cg 91 Pines Campgrounds
46854 willow Sps Rd
(308) 750-1364 (308) 214-0198
Eateries:
Sandstone Grill
Pizza Palace
Northside Bar & Grill
Barb’s Café
Stockman’s Lounge
The Hub
Verda’s Café
Legion Club
Subway
Subway
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