Eclectica Forums Browse the Adventurous Traveler Bookstore for an extensive collection of books and maps on activities in New Mexico and the Southwest. In spring, lesser prairie chickens display a colorful courtship ritual.
Males puff out air sacs on their throats and spread their wings as they strut.
The male bird's extravagant display, designed to attract a mate, involves bowing, drumming its feet, spinning, and sparring with rival males. Dancing occurs from early March through mid-May, with peak activity in April, when hens arrive. Plan on a two-hour observation span. Contact the BLM Roswell Resource Area office for best dates and areas to visit. Occasional viewing of pronghorn and mule deer, as well as ladder-backed woodpecker, loggerhead shrike, mourning dove, scaled quail, and Swainson's hawk.