Soon, one of the most unique performances will begin on prairies throughout Kansas and a few other states. The mating displays of prairie chickens is a sure sign that spring is about to arrive. Just before the sun rises over the vast grasslands each morning starting in mid March, male prairie chickens arrive at communal mating grounds known as “leks.” The group of males display, call, and fight in order to win over potential mates. Only the best males are chosen to mate. On a still morning on the prairie, their call, called a boom, can be heard over a mile away. It is one of the most fascinating and unique natural phenomenon people can watch. Lek tours draw people from around the world each year to the Great Plains.

For the past 12 years, the Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) has led birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts on tours to see this annual show. Lek tours have drawn people from around the world to the Great Plains. KWEC invites you to come and witness this wonderful show during a Greater Prairie-Chicken Lek Tour. Staff will drive you to a local Greater Prairie-Chicken lek, where there is a trailer blind sitting. From the blind, you will be able to observe the Prairie-Chickens, and the guide will be there to tell you all about these interesting birds and the incredible behavior.

Field trips are available to the public on select days throughout the end of March through mid-April by reservation only. Ten tours dates are available, but spots fill fast. A schedule of available tour dates can be found at http://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu. Seating is limited to six people and is limited to ages 12 and older. Participants will meet at KWEC by 5:20-6 a.m. depending on the time of sunrise. Transportation to the lek is provided. Participants need to plan on being in the blind for at least four hours with no facilities available. Cost is $40 per person. Call KWEC at 877-243-9268 to register and receive more information.