The Mystery of The Grouse

The Mystery of The Grouse

For years I’ve followed the same routine on or near my birthday. I climb into the truck at first light and drive south out of Malta to the prairie creekbottom where I hunt in the fall. In April, however, I’m not there to hunt, but to watch and listen. It’s then that the grouse gather on leks as part of their spring mating ritual, dancing and making other-worldly bird noises. As much as spring is a...