Dusky Grouse

Historically, Blue Grouse have been divided into two major groups – Dusky Grouse and Sooty Grouse.  But based on recent mitochondrial DNA sequencing studies as well as on behavioral and distribution information, both groups are now considered to be separate species.

This post is about some Dusky Grouse I found last week near the top of Bountiful Peak at an elevation of approximately 9000 feet.  I’m always slightly surprised to find these birds at such high elevations but a little research told me that their habitat includes elevations as high as 11.000 feet.  Though these birds have a restricted geographic range (mountainous areas of western North America) they have a wide range of breeding habitats.

 

 1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, 1.4 tc, natural light

On Bountiful Peak these grouse live in extremely dense habitat so your best chance of photographing them in the clear is when they cross a gravel road.  That also gives you a good look at those impressively stout feet and legs.

 

 

  1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 500, 1.4 tc, natural light

I saw several groups of juveniles cross the road as they followed an adult.  Only the young birds have the red crown.

 

 

  1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 500, 100-400 @285mm, natural light

Often when I’ve seen these birds the tail is held almost horizontally but as they crossed the road most of these grouse raised their tails to a high angle.  Perhaps it’s a warning signal when they feel vulnerable to a potential threat (only a guess on my part).

The roadside setting for these images isn’t the best but since this species has such a restricted range I thought some of my readers would be interested in seeing a bird that might be unfamiliar to them.

Ron

Note: I’m on the road again for a few days and I’ll have no computer access so I won’t be able to respond to any comments in a timely fashion, though I do enjoy reading those comments in the email notifications I get on my phone.