A boon to booming grounds

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This article appeared in the Fall 2005 edition of INHF's magazine.

Roger Hill

INHF recently added 80 acres to the Kellerton Grasslands Bird Conservation Area, site of Iowa's largest prairie chicken population.

A new addition to the Kellerton Grasslands Bird Conservation Area (BCA) is sure to be welcomed by the site’s star species, the Greater Prairie Chicken.  The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, which purchased the 80-acre site, recently transferred it to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The partners hope the addition will further boost the state’s small prairie chicken population. Though the species’ signature “booming” sound once echoed across Iowa prairies, over-hunting and habitat destruction led to their complete absence here for nearly 50 years. The birds were successfully reintroduced to the Ringgold Wildlife Area in 1987, and their population is slowly rebuilding.

Managed primarily to provide habitat for these and other open grassland birds, this BCA now hosts Iowa’s largest known “booming” grounds. Here male prairie chickens attempt to attract females by making a loud booming sound (using air sacs in their throats) and performing an unusual mating dance.

As a result, the site draws still another species: bird watching enthusiasts flock here every spring to witness the display. A viewing platform adds a special touch, allowing visitors to observe the bird’s mating ritual without disturbing them.

For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.