Gunnison Sage Grouse and another Mystery Critter

Ok, Grand-kiddies, pay attention.  Grandpa got to see the very rare Gunnison Sage Grouse on Saturday morning.  The above video is one of a half dozen or so that I took, so be prepared to be wowed next time you come over!



Line the Greater Sage Grouse, the Gunnison males gather on a lek to woo the ladies.  On a sage strewn area about the size of a soccer field just outside Monticello, Utah, we saw these amazing birds.



They are about one-third smaller than the Greater, but the very striking tail feathers and the crazy topknot on their heads that they keep throwing around make them really fun to watch.

On Saturday March 31, Steve Stewart and I got up at 1 am in Provo, drove down to Monticello and met the local wildlife rep, who showed us where they were.  We couldn't get any closer than about 100 yards, but it was sure fun.



Meanwhile, last week we had a day of good weather in Oregon.  While Grandma was teaching piano and a whole herd of kids how to cook, I took a walk.



And saw a Eurasian Collared Dove



And one of a whole bunch of Norther Flickers (Red Shafted) right at home on Rainbow Lane.







An now if you are paying attention, it is time for the mystery critter.  This one stunned itself on our window and was being very cooperative.  What is it?



The river was high, and I had Mike Welch over to do some commentary on the panels he has done for us.  His next project for us is going to be at the law firm.  Ought to be fun. 



So for one last story.  Two Saturday's ago Chris and Kenni came over to go on a canoe ride with Zuri while we watched Dot.  They put in the canoe, rigged up the motor and took off, with all the paddles!  A few minutes later, Alicia, Tucker and Weston showed up to take a canoe ride.  No Paddles!!!  No Problem however as Tucker just tied the Kayak to another one of the canoes and began to tow his very pregnant wife and child .....  UPRIVER!  Seriously these guys are nuts.



Boy are we having a good time!