About Males

Once discovered, males can be found year after year since dominant males return to the same place (and display branch) once they have established a lekking area. However, one must use great restraint if visiting a lekking site. History has shown many times that unchecked visits by people to an established lek areas runs the very high risk of over stressing the birds, causing them to abandon a lek area permanently. Once gone from the lek area, it is highly unlikely you will find the males again. Lek areas are rare to find and so widely dispersed that making a rediscovery is unlikely. If you happen upon a lek site you have done well, but please do not let your thirst for photos and boasting rites overpower your respect for this severely endangered species. They are already fighting for their lives. We humans need to help, not hinder their survival. Repeated visits, using photographic flashes and too much commotion and noise have proven fatal to lek sites. Be wise. Enjoy the moment, but give them lots of space and respect. Extinct is forever.