Prairie Chicken Photography

Hello,
The Konza Prairie and K-State offer limited space in blinds from March 15-April 20th to view Prairie Chickens booming at close range.
I've signed up for Sunday March 29th, and so far I'm the only one in the blind. If anyone is interested in coming out on the 29th, or any other day, the information is attached below.

The information attached suggests there may be a higher fee for photographers, but I told her I was coming to photograph, and she indicated I would quite likely have my own viewing port and tripods were welcome.

I'm curious if any of the rest of you have ever been to the Konza blinds and if so, did you get any shots you'd care to share?

http://www.k-state.edu/konza/keep/visit/blind.htm

Good Shooting,
Dena

Scoot over Dena, I'm in! Any other takers for March 29th? There's room for up to 8 in the blind.

It's only $15 payable the day of the event and we will be meeting at the Scenic Overlook on Hiway 177 at 5:30 a.m. for the drive in to the blind. Should be a special treat to watch this annual event!

Thanks for posting this Dena, I can't wait!

Wish I could join you . . . but I am "not in Kansas anymore!"

Looking forward to seeing some exciting photos!

Hi Dena, I'm glad you put this post here. I was going to get the dates and share it also and had almost slipped my mind.

Rob Graham and I got together last year and viewed this wonderful event. If one has never witnessed the prairie chicken booming ritual it is a sight to behold. I definitely plan to attend this year, just need to see which weekend. Rob and I attended I believe the first or second weekend offering around mid March. I believe there were approx. 6-8 male birds that showed and only 2 females. It was kinda funny, the females showed a little bit after daybreak, the males had been doing their booming thing. The females just walked around and checked things out and as if they seen nothing of interest and just walked off.
Our docent said the showing was a little low and could be more birds as the weather warmed the next few weeks, but I don't think one ever knows.
The prairie chicken is getting more scarce for many reasons and that's really a sad thing. Just Amazing birds to watch and learn about.

Here's a pic from last year. With it being early in the season and the fewer number of birds that weekend none of them came real close to the blind, I would guess they were 20 yards out most of the time. It lasted around 2 hours starting at just before dawn.
I have no doubt anyone who attends will totally enjoy it!
It just cost us $15 each and tripods are no problem. I believe the extra cost for photographers is when a person request special conditions say a private blind or extended hours for special photography requirements other than that everyone there is definitely taking pictures. A very good time.

Thanks Dena

I think I would be interested. Where exactly is it? Wonder how far from Tulsa.

Mike the meeting place is along Highway 177 approx. 4-5 miles north of I-70 as your heading toward Manhattan KS. It is a scenic overlook just on the west side of the Highway, some parking a little gazebo, real easy to get to. One can actually see it on Google maps satellite view. You meet with a Konza docent there and they either take you or you follow them out to the viewing area in the Konza Prairie.

Wayne, I'm glad you're coming, it will be a unique experience!

Brad, Thanks for sharing the information and the great photograph - I can't wait!

Mike, It's a few miles off of I-70, just south of Manhattan, KS. Mile maker 313 or there abouts.

Mike, the event will be held on the Konza Prairie which is just north & west of the intersection of I-70 & Hiway 177 (just south of Manhattan, KS).

I'm not sure what the drive time would be from Tulsa but as a point of reference, the drive on I-70 from Kansas City to the Konza Prairie is just under 2 hours.

Hope you decide to come, it would be nice to meet you!

No pressure Brad .... hint, hint. I sure hope you decide to join us and show us how it's done! Experience is everything!

It is definitely an experience. I'll have to look at my schedule and see if I can make it or not. Great shot, Brad, especially under the conditions we had that morning.

Hey Brad or Rob,

I am interested in going also.

Two questions: What is the orientation of the blind(s)? Did you have front, side, or back lighting? Your nice shot looks like it was taken before sunrise or on an overcast day.

And, how many mm of lens plus crop or full frame did you need to pull in that bird in the photo?

Thanks,
Don

I'm in! I've always wanted to see/photograph the Prairie Chickens. Why does all the cool nature stuff have to occur so early in the morning? I'm in the wrong hobby!

I'm with you there, Scott! But just think, we'll be done early and have the whole day ahead of us.

For those of you wanting in be sure to call Annie Baker at 785-587-0381 and request the March 29th date.

Great to hear so many are interested! This is going to be fun!

And if the great Don Kurz comes I'll have to remember to pack my knee pads so I can pay homage and kneel before greatness!

Hey Wayne,

Don't worry about bringing knee pads, I always have some available to rent. Gotta help pay for the trip, don't ya know....

There may be some young bison of the year available for photo ops.

Don

Don, we had mostly overcast conditions that morning. I'd call it side lighting. I was getting decent shots of the closer birds at 500mm. To fill the frame, you'll need a bunch more unless the birds are really close. I got the feeling that the blind was farther away from the lek than normal, but who knows where they will set up the blind this year.

Thanks Rob, that's good to know. I would prefer front lighting but as long as they look east once in a while, that would work.

It looks like calving occurs from mid-April through May so we may be early at Konza for Bison bison calves.

Best,
Don

Update on the Blind: I spoke with another KSU/Konza representative this morning and she informed me that the blind has not been taken out to the Lek yet. As she recalled it was positioned facing southwest last year but she couldn't give any assurance that it would be positioned that way again this year.

Southwest is pretty darn good if we can get that and the seed has been planted so cross your fingers!

I've reserved my seat :).

I am very interested, and will seriously consider the drive even though it's 5.5+ hours... Sounds like a Saturday road trip is the best option!

I have a 300/2.8 with a 1.4x and 1.7x TC. The potential to buy a really nice 250-600/5.6 is on the horizon...

Wayne or anyone else: any recommendations on where would the best hotel/B&B in a nearby town be good to consider, given the meet up locale? I am not sure of the population of anything closer than Topeka and where to consider a search online for accommodations. Again, I am not certain yet - I should know within a week or so...

Regards,
Marc

As of February 17th, there is one more spot available in the blind for March 29th. The staff there has limited the number of people in the blind to six because of the photographic equipment.

Spots reserved so far: Dena Sanders, Don Kurz, Scott Bean, Rob Graham, Wayne Rhodus

Sounds like we might be doing a late breakfast or early lunch afterwards. One last taker?

My wife and I went last year and it proved to be a great experience -15 tempreture just faded once the action started. Low light was a problem to start with but improved.

We will be heading in the same direction in less than three weeks time. This was one of my efforts from last year.

Barry

East Sussex UK

Thanks for posting this shot Barry. Sorry you had to endure temperatures that low to get it but heck, that's Kansas! A fine shot under the low light conditions. I'm hoping for great conditions on March 29th!

If you're headed back to Kansas please enjoy your stay.

I'm In for March 29th! Just got off the phone with Annie........ See ya all there!

Brad

Wayne

Not a problem all part of the joy's of Kansas wouldn't miss it for the world. At least the sun shines sooner or later. If there is any room perhaps we could squeeze in again but only if the first timers have had a visit first.

We will be there from 3/11/09 thru 7/22/09.

Barry

Great news Brad, that's six. Did Annie indicate that she was closing the blind for March 29th to any further viewers?