Sign up now to view prairie chicken mating behavior

Each spring, wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers from across the state take the opportunity to observe as Wisconsin�s greater prairie chickens perform their annual mating ritual on the Buena Vista Marsh in Central Wisconsin.

The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program is now accepting reservations from the public for this year�s observations of the prairie chicken�s exotic courtship dance. Sessions will be held on both weekends and weekdays between April 1 and 30, beginning before dawn and lasting approximately two hours. The marsh is located eight miles south of Stevens Point.

Observing within a blind, participants watch the birds claim their place within the lek (mating ground) by strutting, hopping and booming. The males inflate and deflate bright orange sacs on their necks and make a bassoon-like sound to establish their territory and impress hens.

BOW has partnered with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for five years to provide this opportunity to the public. Viewers help record information on the number of birds, which helps the DNR manage central Wisconsin�s threatened prairie chicken population.

"These little birds took my breath away," said one past observer. "Viewing the prairie chickens on the booming ground was a life-changing event. I didn�t want the show to end."

Registration for blinds is on a first come, first serve basis, and is $15 for non-students or $10 for students. Scholarships are available. For more information, contact Katie Brashear at 715-346-4661 or toll free at 877-BOWOMAN (269-6626), email kbras782@uwsp.edu or see www.uwsp.edu/wildlife/pchicken.

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