Gunnison Sage-grouse Viewing
Waunita Watchable Wildlife Site: General Public Users

Where to see them:
Gunnison Sage-grouse predictably use the Waunita Lek, located 19 miles east of Gunnison just off Hwy 50. Turn north on County Road 887 (Waunita Hot Springs Road) and go 0.6 miles to a small pull-off where you can view the birds. The lek is located to the east of the road in the open meadow (see map). This observation point offers a good view of the birds through binoculars and spotting scopes and is far enough away from the lek to minimize disturbance to the birds. The lek is located on private property, but the pull-off is a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) managed Watchable Wildlife site. The site is open April 1st through May 15th.

A viewing trailer is also available at the Waunita Site. This trailer can be reserved for you or for a group. Contact Sisk-a-dee at 970-641-3959 for more information.

When you'll find them:
The best time to view the elaborate and bizarre breeding dance of the Gunnison Sage-grouse is from 1 April to early-May. Gunnison Sage-grouse wake up early and arrive on the leks (breeding grounds) before dawn. Therefore, to minimize impacts on birds, visitors must arrive one hour before sunrise and remain at leks until breeding displays have ended. Displays may continue for a couple hours after sunrise. For sunrise information please refer to the sunrise table below.

If you are interested in information on local accommodations please contact the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce, 500 East Tomichi, Gunnison, CO 970-641-1501 or contact The Water Wheel Inn for special reduced rates.

If you want to know more about Gunnison Sage-grouse contact Sisk-a-dee at 970-641-3959 or the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) at 970-641-7060.

Check out Rebecca Doll’s Blog for daily updates of the Gunnison Sage-grouse activity at the Waunita Watchable Wildlife Site.

Gunnison Sage-grouse Lek Viewing

The Gunnison Sage-grouse is a seriously imperiled species and highly vulnerable to human disturbance. Sisk-a-dee, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), and Western State Colorado University are actively managing the Waunita Watchable Wildlife site to minimize the impacts of viewing the birds. Please help us make this a quality viewing experience for you and other birders by following the protocol. Thank you for your efforts and enjoy the rare and beautiful dance of the Gunnison Sage-grouse!

• Arrive at the Waunita Watchable Wildlife site least 1 hour before sunrise. See the table below for sunrise times.
• Turn off vehicle engine when you arrive and do not start up engine until you leave.
• Please remain in your vehicle and set up a spotting scope.
• Remain as quiet as possible: NO radios, cell phones, horn honking, car door slamming or other automobile noises.  
• Bring spotting scopes, binoculars, very warm clothing, a headlamp or flashlight, and a blanket to sit on. Avoid drinking liquids prior to the viewing.
• An outhouse is available at the site. After the grouse have flushed you are welcome to leave your vehicle, use the outhouse, and read the interpretive literature.
• Remain very quiet; if you do talk keep your voices to a whisper.
• Do not leave the site until the birds have ended their displays and have departed from the lek. A volunteer will signal to you when it is safe to leave your vehicle.
• Protocols are enforced by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Any person deviating from these protocols is suspect to a wildlife violation and fine.
• Commercial use of the Waunita Watchable Wildlife site requires a permit from the CPW.
• Sisk-a-dee facilitates commercial viewing in collaboration with CPW, please contact Sisk-a-dee if you have questions. To make a reservation for the viewing trailer contact Sisk-a-dee at 970-641-3959.
• Contact Sisk-a-dee at 970-641-3959 for more information and to make reservations.  You can also contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife via Nick Gallowich at 970-641-7885, nick.gallowich@state.co.us.

Gunnison Sunrises 2013
Times are adjusted for daylight savings.

Habitat Stamp: Visitors of Colorado State Wildlife Areas are no longer required to purchase a $10 Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp. Voluntary purchase of the stamp can be made online at http://wildlife.state.co.us/ShopDOW/AppsAndLicenses/HabitatStamp/