This automated two-stage pen was developed by biologist Nicole Lindenauer to release Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) families into the wild gently and successfully. Here, a hen and her brood are being released to join a population of conservation concern. The particular population they are joining is isolated and starting to struggle genetically, so introducing new grouse families brings in much needed new genetic information.

[Photo and caption by Nicole Lindenauer]

[Edited by Ian Ramshorn Haliburton]