Spruce Grouse

We went looking for a Dickcissel on Monday that had been reported by a birding group visiting our county over the weekend. We did not find it, but we found a female Spruce Grouse, a coveted bird which they did not encounter. I think this is perhaps the most gorgeous of the species I have ever photographed. Often it seems the females especially are more tan and a little more washed out. The intensity of this bird's coloration blows me away. The second photo is one reason I enjoy bird photography, the ability to marvel over feather detail. This is something that folks with binoculars normally can't do.

Very nice Al. I really like how you were able to get this Spruce isolated. For me, they are generally tucked into the tree branches. Great color and clarity. Well done. Thanks for sharing.ߙ

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A most wonderful opportunity, Al! . And a most wonderful image, as well.

Are these Spruce Grouse that you have in your area the Franklin's variety, or the Taiga variety?

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KT29 wrote in post #18383246
Very nice Al. I really like how you were able to get this Spruce isolated. For me, they are generally tucked into the tree branches. Great color and clarity. Well done. Thanks for sharing.ߙ

Thank you so much. I know what you mean about where one usually finds them. I was very lucky. She was standing on a beaver-gnawed aspen stump, just as if she were on a pedestal.

Tom Reichner wrote in post #18383250
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A most wonderful opportunity, Al! . And a most wonderful image, as well.

Are these Spruce Grouse that you have in your area the Franklin's variety, or the Taiga variety?

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Thank you kindly, Tom. I always like posting shots of Spruce Grouse because I've heard some folks think they are mythical birds! People with 700 species on their life lists have not seen one. I'm sure ours are of the Taiga race; Franklins appears to be the western variety.

Beautiful shots Al, showing some pretty intricate designs and patterns and colours.

So pretty Al! Glad I started checking in again over here. Life gets busy, and computer time gets cut short!

Wallace River wrote in post #18383389
Beautiful shots Al, showing some pretty intricate designs and patterns and colours.

Thank you, Ian; I appreciate your commenting. The patterns and coloration are astounding, I agree.

SJC from VT wrote in post #18383413
So pretty Al! Glad I started checking in again over here. Life gets busy, and computer time gets cut short!

Well, where are your priorities? Thanks for your comment, Sandy, and please continue to check in.

Beautiful bird, beautiful shots. 2hd shot would be a good one to post in a birding magazine as a puzzler-"Name the bird!".
Thanks for posting, Al.

ardeekay wrote in post #18384091
Beautiful bird, beautiful shots. 2hd shot would be a good one to post in a birding magazine as a puzzler-"Name the bird!".
Thanks for posting, Al.

Thanks, Rog. Have you ever visited Sibley's website; he routinely has quizzes like that and they are fun and informative.

Very nice Al, I think its the spring time colours showing through. Winter feather can be very intense too.

Pondrader wrote in post #18384168
Very nice Al, I think its the spring time colours showing through. Winter feather can be very intense too.

Thank you for commenting, Jeff; I appreciate it.

I checked out Sibley's, not thoroughly but Song Sleuth got my attention. I'm android so this fall will look into this app. Thank you!

Very nice.

Mel-S wrote in post #18385363
Very nice.

Thank you.

CDMOOSE wrote in post #18383368
Thank you kindly, Tom. I always like posting shots of Spruce Grouse because I've heard some folks think they are mythical birds! People with 700 species on their life lists have not seen one. I'm sure ours are of the Taiga race; Franklins appears to be the western variety.

Al,

You are fortunate indeed! . Taiga Grouse have been near the top of my lifetime "bucket list" for many years now. . I have never even seen one, but sincerely hope that I have that opportunity to photograph one before I die. . I think that the outer tail band on displaying males is, like, one of the coolest things in the world!

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