23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Giving His All

A greater sage-grouse displays on a lek, an area in which the birds congregate to mate. I photographed this male midway through his song and dance as his air sacs were completely filled, and just prior to thrusting his head upward to produce his burbling sound.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 03.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Utah, United States of America
Camera: NIKON Z 9
Copyright: © Thomas DeLiberto