The grasslands of central Nebraska are home to prairie chickens and sharp-tailed grouse, two uncommon non-migratory birds. Each spring, male prairie chickens perform an outstanding courtship display characterized by stomping feet, towering leaps and resonant booming noises from inflated yellow-orange air sacs along the sides of their necks.

To attract females, the males bear a resemblance to wind-up toys in a field. The courtship behavior, performed on a "lek," starts in early March and continues well into May. The dancing begins before first light and continues for two to three hours. Some "booming" also occurs at sunset. The only lek available for public viewing is north and west of Grand Island on private property known as the Taylor Ranch.

From the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission