Greater Prairie Chicken Viewing
Dates:
Thursday through Sunday, March 22 – April 22, 2012
Reservations required.
Time:
Thursday - Sunday, 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, four weeks each spring. The observation blind can seat six to eight persons, and smaller groups are asked to share the blind with others. Through ports in the seated blind, visitors come within 75 to 150 yards of 5 to 10 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, courtesy of Dr. Dave Rintoul, K-State
Video and audio of courtship display, from The Nature Conservancy
Observing the following guidelines will minimize disturbance of the lek and help protect this valuable resource:
- 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, until 8:30 am or 9:00 am (approximately 3 hours).
- Binoculars or spotting scopes are highly recommended. Photography is permitted for personal use only. (No flash 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 equipment.
- There are no restrooms or water available.
- At your discretion, bring a small pillow to cushion the wooden bench in the blind.
Special Interests: Individuals or groups with special interests should make this clear at the time of reservation. Photography and videography is permitted for personal use only. If images may be sold for profit, please apply in advance for a special use permit.
Special instructions for group reservations
Cost:
$25 per person
Location and Directions:
To be provided with your reservation.
For more information or to make a reservation, contact:
Reservations will be taken in March.
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 36 hours of your arrival time.
Melissa Urick
Education Program Assistant