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 Division of Wildlife managed Watchable Wildlife site. The site is open April 1st through May 10th.

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 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 970-641-1501or 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 Division of Wildlife at 970-641-7060.

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 Division of Wildlife, Western State College of Colorado, and the Gunnison Sage-grouse Working Group 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. Please remain behind the screen.
• Remain as quiet as possible: NO radios, cell phones, horn honking, car door slamming or other automobile noises.  
• 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.
• Protocols are enforced by the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW). 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 form the CDOW.
• Contact Matt Thorpe at 970-641-7885 or Sisk-a-dee at 970-641-3959 for more information.

Gunnison Sunrises
Times are adjusted for daylight saving which begins March 11, 2007.

Habitat Stamp: All visitors of Colorado State Wildlife Areas are required to purchase a $10 Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp. Stamps may be purchased online at   http://wildlife.state.co.us/ShopDOW/AppsAndLicenses/HabitatStamp/