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Prairie Chickens | |
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WILDLIFE AND NATURE STORM CHASING THE RAILROAD ROAD
TRIP FOOD Kellerton (Iowa) Grasslands Bird Conservation Area Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation Prairie Chickens in Northern Missouri USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Oklahoma Natural Resources: Wind, Wildlife, Untilled Landscapes and Protected Areas
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Here are some photos from
April 14th and 15th, 2006. We are at the viewing blind south of
the highway between Borup and Syre, MN. The blinds were
constructed by the MPCS and are reserved through the Twin Valley
Heritage & Art Center in Twin Valley, MN.
It is about a half mile hike through swampy prairie grasses, and you must wear rubber knee boots or your feet will get soaked.
This is the second time we have gone out to this particular blind. It is out of sight of the highway and fairly creepy to try to find at night. There are a line of reflectors strategically mounted along the path to assist, and there are reflectors on the blind as well. There are lots of creepy sounds at night while waiting for the chickens, such as owls, elk, and the long prairie grass slowly scratching the side of the blind as they bend in the relentless prairie winds.
These photos are of males displaying their pinnate feathers to attract a female. The unique sound they make is also quite incredible to hear, especially if there is a chorus AND a female present !
The best (ONLY) place to stay nearby other than Mahnomen, Crookston or Breckenridge is the NORMAN MOTEL in Ada, MN. They have recently upgraded to wireless internet and is also a great hopping off spot to start a storm chase from if you are going to North Dakota. |
