Please complete this Google Form to submit your information and indicate your interest in attending a Lek Viewing Experience with Audubon Great Plains and ND Pheasants Forever.

*Due to weather and road conditions, we cannot guarantee a lek viewing opportunity this year, however, we remain optimistic and will provide an update in the coming weeks. We are prioritizing and reviewing conditions daily.* 

When: Late-March through April 2023
Lek Viewings will be scheduled to begin about 1 hour before sunrise (approx. 5:30 a.m.). Arriving any later may disturb birds. Most birds leave the lek within an hour or so of sunrise. Please anticipate remaining in the blinds for at least a few hours.

Anticipated locations: 

• Viewing blind in Grand Forks, ND 
• Viewing blind at Edward M. Brigham III Alkali Lake Sanctuary, Spiritwood, ND

Check back here for DIRECTIONS and MAPS to viewing blinds and/or group meet-up sites.

What to Expect:
Lek Viewings will be scheduled to begin about 1 hour before sunrise (approx. 5:30 a.m.). Arriving any later may disturb birds. Most birds leave the lek within an hour or so of sunrise. Please anticipate remaining in the blinds for at least a few hours.

• Very cold temperatures have little effect on displaying Sharp-tailed Grouse. However, winds above 20mph and precipitation are deterrents and may result in the rescheduling of a Lek Viewing Experience.
• You may enjoy viewing over dozen birds, please note nearly all will be males with females around the perimeter.
• Birds may flush due to disturbance from raptors or other predators. They often return if it is still early. If they do not return within 30 minutes, they're likely gone for the day.

What to Wear & Bring:

• Layer up. Wear warm clothes and warm water/mud proof boots. The walk to the blinds can be wet, muddy, or snow covered.
• Bring a bright flashlight, binoculars, camera, snacks, water, and a lightweight camping chair.

Where to Stay (Jamestown, ND):

Please note: Lodging is not available at Edward M. Brigham III Alkali Lake Sanctuary. If you are seeking lodging the night before a Lek Viewing Experience at Brigham Sanctuary, we recommend staying in Jamestown, ND, which is an approximately 20-minute drive away. There's both a Holiday Inn Express and Comfort Inn located on the northern side of the city. Both hotels consistently offer rooms under $100 per night.  

Additional Resources:

• Audubon Guide to NA Birds – Sharp-tailed Grouse
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology – All About Birds – Sharp-tailed Grouse
• North American Grouse Partnership – website