The prize we sought - the cryptically colored hen sage grouse. The look like rocks so finding them is near impossible despite being in plain sight. So we wait for darkness and use spotlights to make their eyes sparkle. The lights confuse them and they're adapted to using camouflage is their best defense anyway. So we walk right up and net them off of the ground. The birds are examined, banded, fitted with a radio collar, and prepared for transport. They are then driven to Washington and released there.

In late September, 2016, I participated in a conservation project to capture sage grouse from northern Nevada and translocate them to Washington state. You can learn more about sage grouse and their conservation at HERE.