Dancing Chickens

Every spring, male greater prairie-chickens gather at ancient breeding grounds and compete for the chance to mate in Nebraska’s prairie grasslands. Their raucous displays include stomping, booming, whooping, and sparring. With exposed tail coverts and balloon-like air sacs flashing orange and yellow, few performances in the bird world are more memorable than this dawn dance of chickens.

At the same time, groups of lesser prairie-chickens are convening in western Kansas to the south. Their courtship displays are less about booming and more about a series of intricate sounds and visual signals. Popping sounds, low clucks, and footwork are on show at these dance arenas. While lesser prairie-chickens may be more subdued in their efforts to attract mates, this spring show is no less impressive.

We’ll spend three days exploring southwestern Nebraska and western Kansas. We have strategically selected areas away from crowds so that we have the time and space to truly enjoy these areas in true Reefs to Rockies style. We’ll travel in a custom American safari van with a conversion pop-top and spacious seating. This is not the traditional passenger van you may have traveled in on past trips. This one-of-a-kind vehicle has been specially designed by two wildlife biologists to allow for optimal viewing. It makes a perfect blind and there’s ample room for everyone to view at the same time.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the heart of prairie-chicken habitat. This three-day trip is sure to deepen your appreciation for these charismatic species. Get ready for Dancing Chickens!

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