DWR teams up with "Wild About Birds" Bill Fenimore

East Canyon Reservoir — One of the "wild signs" of spring is the annual sage grouse "shuffle"—male sage grouse strutting, dancing and vocalizing on a historic breeding ground.

Here's what you'll see if you attend the March 24 event: Dozens of male sage-grouse strutting for the ladies.

Photo by Larry Dalton

Each year, the Division of Wildlife Resources and the Wild About Birds store in Layton sponsor the free field trip. This year, the wild shindig is on March 24.

If you'd like to participate, meet at the Wild About Birds store in Layton at 5 a.m.

From the store, those participating will caravan to an area near East Canyon Reservoir.

Participants should dress for the weather and bring binoculars.

The Wild About Birds store is at 1860 N. 1000 W. in the Layton Market Center (across from Barnes & Noble) in Layton. To reach the store, exit Interstate 15 at Exit 332 and turn east on Antelope Drive.

If you attend the field trip, you'll watch male sage grouse fight for dominance and make elaborate displays as they vie for the attention of female grouse.

"Our bird walks are a great family activity and a wonderful way to introduce children to the world of nature," says Bill Fenimore, an expert birder who owns the center.

Fenimore and Phil Douglass, regional conservation outreach manager for the DWR, will lead the field trip.

For more information, call Wild About Birds at 801-525-8400.