Lesser Prairie-Chickens now displaying on leks

I received the following today:

"The lesser Prairie Chickens are now starting to do their mating ritual. I observed two different leks this morning. so we can take birders at anytime and they will be able to observe. There are many other species that are in the area at this time"

This is from Fred Dorenkamp whose Lesser Prairie-Chicken tours I posted on in February: Their enterprise is called Arena Dust Tours. They provide escorted viewing. People park their cars and are provided light refreshments. The owners drive attendees out to the leks in their vehicle (this is in the dark as it is necessary to get to the lek and be settled before the birds arrive so as not to disturb this species of special concern which is a candidate for Endangered Species listing). And after viewing the birds conducting their courtship dancing, it is possible to see many other birds on the trip back to their cars. But before leaving, breakfest is provided. The hosts offer other possible options including bed and breakfast lodging.

Since Lesser Prairie Chicken begin dancing in mid-March and continue to about mid-May, now is the time to make reservations. This is a good option for those wishing to view Lesser Prairie-Chickens in Colo who don't relish driving out in the middle of the night on the deserted and tricky (very sandy and edges can be hazardous) unpaved roads to get to the only public lek near Campo. Plus these ranchers, Fred or Norma Dorenkamp, are real nice folks who know a lot about the area and its history.

SeEtta