The Prairie Chicken lek booms in the early morning hours with the sounds of Greater Prairie Chickens vying for the attention of one of the few females that might stop by to watch the face-offs. Even before the sun comes up, the sound reverberates across the “booming ground” and furious wing beats are audible as the birds try to intimidate each other with their talons and shows of bravado. Once the sun is up, the sparring, which began in darkness, increases in intensity across the lek. This is serious business for the Greater Prairie Chickens.