The greater sage-grouse, scientifically known as Centrocercus urophasianus, is a majestic bird that puts on a bold display during mating season. Male sage-grouse strut with inflated yellow sacs on their necks in an attempt to catch the attention of females. However, this flashy behavior has raised concerns for the safety of these birds, particularly near Jackson Hole Airport.
Between 1990 and 2013, 32 greater sage-grouse met their demise due to collisions with aircraft near Jackson Hole Airport, most occurring during the summer months when hens and chicks are active. To address this issue, the National Parks Service (NPS) at Grand Teton National Park has taken a creative approach by deploying papier-mâché sage-grouse in a field south of the airport’s runway.
Collaborating with the Teton Raptor Center, Jackson Hole Middle School art students, and local artist Lori Solem, NPS has crafted four hand-crafted papier-mâché birds. The hope is that these decoy birds will encourage real sage-grouse to relocate their mating displays and reduce the risk of collisions with aircraft. Trail cameras will be used to monitor the success of this innovative project.
The greater sage-grouse is primarily found in the western United States and Canada. Unfortunately, their populations have been steadily declining since the 1960s, with an average decrease of 2.3 percent each year according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey.
Efforts such as the papier-mâché decoy birds at Grand Teton National Park highlight the importance of conservation and creative solutions in protecting endangered species like the greater sage-grouse. By raising awareness and implementing innovative strategies, we can work towards preserving these magnificent birds for future generations to admire and enjoy. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new advancements and innovations being made every day. One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize industries ranging from healthcare to finance, and everything in between.
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