Lek Counts Set Record on Fort Pierre National Grassland

FORT PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The number of prairie chickens and sharp-tailed grouse spotted on spring leks on the Fort Pierre National Grassland in central South Dakota is the highest in recorded history.

Officials say that's an indication of a healthy grassland.

Leks are where male birds conduct mating displays to attract females. The Capital Journal reports that 491 male prairie chickens were counted this year, up from 413 last year. Sharp-tailed grouse went from 56 to 131. Both figures are the highest since records began in 1988.

District Ranger Dan Svingen says the numbers indicate there is good habitat available. He says the Fort Pierre National Grassland "is like an island of birds."

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