Grouse

Here in a riparian forest along the river surrounded by sageland hills? Grouse live in sageland hills. A phone call to the division of wildlife the day before. Up at dawn. At the lek by six. Seventy-five yards away, Sharp-Tailed Grouse, wings extended horizontally, heads down, sharp white tails up, buzzing and clucking. They danced for almost an hour before they suddenly stopped and flew off. Off to the next spot; we were there by seven; an overlook over rolling grassy hills covered with flowers. Three hundred yards away, Greater Sage Grouse puffing and strutting for another half hour. Home and back to work by eight.

Life on the road.