Sharp-tailed Grouse – Willow Creek, AB

In the windswept grasslands of Willow Creek, Alberta, a quiet fence was the stage a Sharp-tailed Grouse. Perched confidently atop the weathered wood sat the game bird, its subtly barred plumage glowing in the morning light. We were lucky—this wasn’t a random find. 10000 Bird Tours had arranged a day in the field with the experts at Meadowlark Birding Tours. their knowledge of the area’s grassland habitats made all the difference. Most people think of these grouse dancing on leks in spring. Sharp-tailed grouse are related to the Prairie chickens of the southern plains. Seeing one resting so calmly offered a rare, intimate moment with a species deeply tied to the open prairie. With the golden backdrop of late-season grass around us, this sighting was a highlight of a truly Alberta birding experience.