The Dance Of The Sage Grouse

Each spring, at dawn, the sagebrushes of Western North America play host to a bird that produces a rather unusual sound. The male greater sage-grouse are trying to attract a mate. He impresses the lady sage-grouse by filling bulbous yellow sacs with air, and thrusting his head, all whilst shaking his gorgeous tail feathers. Found in 11 states, it’s a rare sight that people travel miles to witness, observing quietly so they don’t disturb this decadent dance. But the greater sage-grouse is under threat. I