Greater Prairie Chicken Viewing
Dates:
March 15 – April 20, 2008
Reservations required.
Time:
Daily, arrival before first light.
Description:
Viewing the courtship behavior of the Greater Prairie Chicken will be allowed by reservation only and is on a first-come-first-served basis. Konza Prairie Biological Station and the Konza Environmental Education Program offer guided tours from an observation blind daily, four weeks each spring. The observation blind can seat six to seven persons, and smaller groups are asked to share the blind with others. Through ports in the seated blind, visitors come within 10 to 50 feet of 5 to 15 booming birds. Peak activity on the Konza Prairie Main Lek occurs in early April.
More information about the Greater Prairie Chicken
Image Gallery of Greater Prairie Chicken on Konza Prairie
- Arrive at the designated meeting location no later than 1½ hours before sunrise. Konza Prairie guides do not wait for late participants. Anyone arriving without a reservation will not be permitted to visit the lek. (Click here for sunrise times for Manhattan, Kansas.)
- Plan to be seated in the observation blind 1 hour before sunrise and stay inside until the birds have finished courtship displays and flushed the lek, approximately 8:30 am to 9:00 am or earlier.
- Binoculars, spotting scopes and/or cameras are recommended. No flash photography, please.
- Be prepared for cold weather. Dress appropriately in layers and wear sturdy walking shoes. You may wish to wrap your legs in a blanket. Expect a ½-mile walk from the parking area to the observation blind.
- Keep noise to a minimum. Especially consider sounds made by your clothing fabric and camera equipment.
- There are no restrooms or water available.
- At your discretion, bring a small pillow to cushion the wooden bench in the blind.
Please note: Individuals or groups with special agendas, such as professional photography, should make this clear at the time of reservation. Special use permits are required and a site fee may be assessed.
Cost:
$15 per person supports the Konza Environmental Education Program.
Location and Directions:
To be provided with your reservation.
For more information or to make a reservation, contact:
Reservations will be taken after February 1.
Reservations are on a first-come-first-served basis.
Make arrangements for your visit as far in advance as possible.
Contact us with cancellations within 24 hours of your arrival time.
Annie Baker
Assistant to Environmental Educator