Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Sunrise, Prepare for War

A male sage grouse inflates his throat sacs while displaying for females out on the lek. It is rare, in my experience, to have the lek totally covered in beautiful white snow like this, so it was an incredible opportunity to capture this behavior in a gorgeous scene. As the sunrise lit up behind him, the male began his display. They certainly have to be one of the most magnificent birds on earth.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2024
Date Uploaded: 12.2024
Photo Location: Jackson, Wyoming, United States of America
Copyright: © Savannah Rose