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photographs bird photos wildlife photos spring photos prairie chicken photos booming photos greater prairie chicken photos pinnated grouse photos boomer photos north american photos midwest photos mating ritual photos wings photos nebraska photos male photos orange photos

The showy mating ritual of the greater prairie chicken, Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus, is fascinating to watch. It is sometimes called "booming" because the males make a distinctive moaning sound when displaying. They face off; raise dark, elongated head feathers; expand bright orange sacs on their necks; and often jump into the air in their attempts to impress the females. The breeding period lasts about six to eight weeks, from late march through early May. The sounds and spectacle used to be quite common in the Midwest, but loss of habitat has seriously reduced their numbers. I took this photo at a lek on private land in southeastern Nebraska.

Featured: Wildlife; Poetic Poultry; Pure Nature Photography; 10 Plus; ABC Group - W is for Wings

I use my camera to explore the world around me and as a basis for creative expression. Because I live in Nebraska, I have a fondness for rural scenes that will be evident as you explore my images, but I enjoy traveling and have many other interests as well. I hope you enjoy your visit. All photographs and images in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Nikolyn McDonald. All rights reserved. Copying and/or distributing these images without my permission is strictly prohibited. You can contact me using this site's e-mail feature. You are invited to like my Facebook page.