Wyoming Game and Fish Department must think sage grouse are a timid and frail bird rather than the determined and often goofy creatures I’ve come to know. But the grouse couldn’t care less that we are there watching their spring mating rituals.
The OBNT lives in central Mexico. They are drab and reclusive, although the song is loud and unmistakable.
Until a few months ago, there were only two records of the OBNT observed north of Mexico — ever — even though thousands of birders are out and about searching for birds in Texas, Arizona and points north all the time.