Greater prairie chicken tours celebrate 25 years in east Yuma County

    The viewing starts before dawn, and visitors can feel the excitement as the tour bus fills. Avid bird watchers from around the globe, locals and the adventurous take a short drive to the special viewing trailer.
    As the light of the prairie spreads across the lek, the travelers begin to hear the greater prairie chicken calls booming closer. A love song for the females resounding through the air, males inflate the orange sac beneath their necks in an effort to entice a female’s attentions.
    These “sandhill dancers” strut, stomp, jump and puff to the delight of viewers.
    This once endangered bird began to see a decline in population in the 1930s, and by the early 1970s, the population fell to an astonishing 600 birds left in the state of Colorado.
    The greater prairie chickens were added to the endangered species list, and a plan of action between landowners, managers, birdwatchers and interested members of the community was designed to protect the birds and their environment.
    As a reward for their efforts, the greater prairie chicken has been removed from the endangered species list, and for the past 25 years the East Yuma County Historical Society, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Wray Museum, Kitzmiller Grazing Association and Wray Chamber of Commerce have volunteered their time in order to ensure the greater prairie chickens continue to thrive.

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