I was settled in the blind by 5:15 and contemplated closing my eyes for just a few minutes. The meadowlarks were calling out, but the sky was still dark when I heard the whir of wings and a tentative coo. Suddenly the blind was surrounded by sound as the males arrived and settled on the lek. Opening a few of the viewing windows I felt like a little kid opening birthday presents ... wondering what I would find just outside. There they were! Between 30-40 males, pairing off and starting their dances. As the dark faded I was able to get some photographs until the lek was visited by a hawk and the grouse left in a whoosh. I was so disappointed! I wanted to record their calls and maybe get their dances, so I stayed put hoping the hawk hadn't spoiled the morning. Thankfully, there was more to come.....
