ONDA to teach sage-grouse mating dance to all members
April 1, 2018 (BEND, Ore.)—What started as a rousing way to open up staff meetings soon spread to board meetings and stewardship trips, and now, in response to high demand from our members, Oregon Natural Desert Association is excited to announce that you, too, can learn the mating dance of the sage-grouse with us.
“This mating dance is one of nature’s great spectacles,” said Executive Director Brent Fenty, “I wanted my staff to try it.”
“They were reluctant at first,” he noted, “but I think it really helped them connect with the species. Now I can barely get them to stop.”
Sage-grouse mating dance classes will be held on the third Thursday of every third month, at locations to be determined.
“Getting the head bob and shoulder thrust synced up just right is going to be challenging for people, but it just takes practice,” says Jeremy Austin, ONDA’s former Hart-Sheldon Coordinator and, now, ONDA’s Grouse Dance Coordinator.
While dressing like a sage-grouse isn’t required, it is encouraged. “Water balloons make pretty good chest sacs,” Austin advises.
