Watch sage grouse mating ritual online — or in person

Care to see the unusual mating ritual of the greater sage grouse? Now you can do so from your video or smartphone — or even be part of a small tour to watch what’s called “lekking” in person.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has partnered with The Nature Conservancy for a live-streaming Webcam, set up east of Bend where the greater sage grouse head to mate each spring. It is online daily from 5-9 a.m.

Each spring, the male sage grouse travel to the communal mating grounds, called leks, to literally strut their stuff, puffing out their chests and fanning their feathers to impress “some very picky hens,” The Nature Conservancy says.

The organization notes that sage grouse populations have dropped 80 percent across its historic range in the West. Estimates range from 200,000 to 500,000 birds, and officials say successful mating and protected leg habitat is key to their survival.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Land Management is inviting the public to a guided viewing of the greater sage grouse springtime courtship rituals on Saturday, April 8. The field trip will depart from the BLM’s Lakeview District Office at 6 a.m. The Lakeview District Office is located at 1301 South G Street, in Lakeview.

The sage grouse breeding, also known as “lekking,” takes place for only four to six weeks in early spring at gathering sites called “leks.” Sage grouse come to approximately 100 lek sites across Lake County to perform their courtship “dance” before breeding.

Viewers for this field trip are limited to 20 people to minimize the potential for disturbance to the sage-grouse. Reservations are first-come, first-served. To reserve a spot contact Larisa Bogardus at (541) 947-6237 or lbogardus@blm.gov by noon Friday, April 7.

Carpooling is encouraged. Transportation may be provided depending on the number of participants. Participants should dress appropriately for field conditions. Wear sturdy, broken-in boots/shoes – count on rocky, rugged terrain, with sagebrush and rocks – and be prepared to hike up to half a mile. There are no amenities and no restrooms. Please plan accordingly with plenty of water, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, BLM officials said.