Spring Sage Grouse

There are few displays in nature as mesmerizing and fun to watch and photograph as Greater Sage Grouse performing on a lek. Each spring, male Sage Grouse congregate on an area called a lek to compete for the females’ attention. On these leks, the males battle each other and display by fanning their tail feathers and inflating large air-sacs in their chest. They then bounce the air-sacs and release the air, creating a very unique sound akin to that of a bouncing ball. The focus of this 2 day workshop will be to photograph these magnificent birds as they perform this amazing display. We’ll be photographing them from a blind that will be placed in the best location to get unique and interesting photos, while also giving the birds the appropriate space that they need to feel safe and comfortable while displaying.

Each spring, I monitor leks across 4 different states and our photography will take place in one of these locations based on current weather conditions, Grouse activity and site accessibility. Plan on flying into Salt Lake City, UT and driving up to 3 hours to our location from there. These areas are wildlife-rich and I often see American Badgers, Coyotes, Pronghorn, Burrowing Owls, Sage Thrashers, Meadowlarks and much more.

Experience the amazing wildlife and beautiful landscape all from a very comfortable basecamp. I pride myself in providing the best gear, including your own tent, electricity, WIFI, warm meals, hot showers and so much more to help you have a truly unforgettable time with the Greater Sage Grouse of the American West.

Schedule and other considerations

Arrive at the workshop location the evening before the workshop. Dinner will be provided and we’ll review best practices for photographing the Grouse and using the blind. We’ll wake up early the next morning, before it’s light and make our way to the blind to photograph the Grouse. The Grouse are usually active for a few hours after sunrise and this will be the bulk of our photography for the day. Please keep in mind that Sage Grouse may be flushed from the lek by a predator or other disturbance and may not return again until the next morning. After returning to our camp after our morning photography, we will have the afternoon and evening to explore and look for other wildlife in the surrounding area. We will repeat the schedule the following day. If you would like additional time with the Grouse, you can book multiple dates back-to-back.

The weather can be variable this time of year and I recommend getting travel insurance in case our workshop location becomes inaccessible. Temperatures can range anywhere from the low 30’s to mid 60’s, so bring appropriate clothing, boots and rain gear (just to be safe).

This is a private workshop, there will be no additional participants

Difficulty level: Easy

2025 Dates:

  • March 25-26, 27-28

  • April 1-2, 3-4, 8-9, 10-11, 15-16, 17-18

What’s Included

  • 2 mornings of Grouse photography and personalized instruction

  • Individual 2 person tent, enough room for you and your gear

  • I’ve invested in the highest quality gear for your use; Luxury sleeping pad, pillow, sheets, blankets and quilt will be provided

  • Rechargeable hand and body warmers

  • Electricity for recharging camera batteries, WIFI, other camp accommodations

  • Meals and snacks during the workshop

Not Included

  • Transportation to and from workshop location. (In some cases, I can arrange transportation from and to Salt Lake City airport for an added $250)

  • Meals/snacks other than mentioned above

  • Travel insurance (recommended)

Cost: $1,200