#firezinke

A clip capturing a bit of the enchanting mating dance and fight of the Lesser Prairie Chicken, a unique native of New Mexico. This is a #repost from @birdingenchantment via @PhotoAroundApp The main target for this past weekend’s trip was to observe Lesser Prairie Chickens. This video captures just a snippet of the action. Observing these birds on a lek (a gathering site where males strut, dance and fight in order to mate with females each spring) is one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had in nature. We watched over 20 birds, starting before first light and for several hours into early morning. LEPC populations have decreased over 90 % since the mid twentieth century, and are vulnerable to habitat loss, fire (there was a 60,000 acre wildfire near this site last week), drought and misguided federal officials who feel that profit Trumps science. Many thanks to Grant Beauprez and the NM Department of Fish and Game for protecting and monitoring these incredible animals. Play with sound on. #bucketlist #firepruitt #firezinke #prairiechickens #wildlife #LesserPrairieChicken #birdingdaily #birds #newmexicobirds #newmexicotrue #canonsx50 #birdsofinstagram #awesomeness #americanbirdconservancy