What the heck is a lek?
Males great bustards perform spectacular courtship displays, gathering at a ‘lek’ or small display ground to try to impress the females.
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Two town lads came up to the country by train, hiked about, got their shiny town boots muddy, had a drink (or two …) in a country pub, and, well satisfied with their day, started to head back to the train. On the way they met an old man carrying a large, strange, orange … thing. They asked him what it was. The old man took in their townie clothes, winked, and told them it was a mare’s egg – and would hatch the fastest racehorse! They bought it, imagining riches! But then they realised they would be late for their train and began to run. The one carrying the ‘egg’ tripped and the egg fell and smashed. As they watched, something fast darted away. Their foal! They mourned their lost riches all the way home. But I’ll let you into a secret. The ‘egg’ was a pumpkin. And the ‘foal’? A surprised hare!
Males great bustards perform spectacular courtship displays, gathering at a ‘lek’ or small display ground to try to impress the females.
The great bustard has a dignified slow walk but tends to run when disturbed, rather than fly.
The hen-bird on display at The Salisbury Museum was one of the last great bustards to be eaten in the town!